UN human rights chief condemns attack on his office in Yemen’s capital

Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, sent a “delegation” to the UN human rights office in the Yemeni capital on August 3, and national staff were forced to hand over documents, furniture and vehicles, as well as office keys.

They still control the facility.

A ‘serious attack’

“Ansar Allah forces must leave the premises and return all property and belongings immediately,” speak High Commissioner Volker Türk.

He said that entering the United Nations office without permission and seizing documents and properties by force was completely contrary to the Rights and Immunities of this Organization.

“This is also a serious attack on the ability of the United Nations to carry out its mandate, including the promotion and protection of human rights, which my Office is tasked with protecting,” he added.

UN staff arrested

Ansar Allah and the Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been fighting for nearly a decade. Since starting the war in Gaza, the rebels have also launched attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

The in fact Authorities also arrested more than 60 people working with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in early June.

Those detained include 13 UN staff, including six from the UN human rights office, more than 50 NGO staff and one embassy employee.

Two other UN human rights officers have been detained since November 2021 and August 2023 respectively. All are being held incommunicado.

The High Commissioner and other senior UN officials have repeatedly called for their release, but he said their calls have fallen on deaf ears.

“I once again call, with a sorrowful heart, for their immediate and unconditional release,” Mr. Türk said.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure they are reunited with their loved ones as soon as possible. Until then, in fact The authorities must ensure that they are treated with full respect for their human rights and that they are able to contact their families and legal representatives.”

Disputing ‘baseless’ allegations

One of the two previously arrested officers had appeared in videos posted online in which he was forced to confess to charges, including espionage, in clear violation of basic human rights protected under international law.

“All such claims are baseless,” Mr. Türk stressed. “My office has never been involved in any activities other than those serving the Yemeni people, in accordance with my mandate.”

Following the arrests and due to the security situation, the High Commissioner decided to temporarily suspend the activities of the Office in Sana’a and other areas controlled by Ansar Allah, although the Office continued to operate in other areas of Yemen.

Respect the United Nations

The United Nations Human Rights Office in Yemen works to promote the rights of all citizens without discrimination.

This includes monitoring the impact of armed conflict and violence on civilians – regardless of who may be responsible – including recording deaths, injuries, destruction of essential infrastructure and the ability of Yemenis to earn a living.

The Office’s work also focuses on promoting the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and ethnic minorities.

“The important thing is in fact “The authorities respect the United Nations and its independence, immediately release all detained United Nations staff and create conditions so that my Office and other United Nations agencies can continue their vital work for the people of Yemen without intimidation or hindrance,” Mr. Türk said.