Yemen: UN calls for immediate release of staff detained by de facto authorities

Issued an appeal in Geneva on his behalf, the Chief Spokesperson of his Office OHCHRRavina Shamdasani has “categorically” denied “false allegations” that an employee was apparently forced to confess under duress.

“These are completely fabricated allegations,” she told reporters, stressing that “a video of our staff also posted on social media is also false.” clearly a forced confession. Our colleague looked very distressed in that video.”

A total of 17 people were arrested.

Six UN human rights workers – one woman and five men – were arrested on 6 June along with seven other UN staff.

Two UN human rights officers and two colleagues from other UN agencies have been arrested and held in “communicado” by the de facto authorities since 2021 and 2023, bringing the total number of UN staff arbitrarily detained in Yemen to 17.

“Their whereabouts remain unknown and the Houthi authorities have in fact not allowed access to any of them, despite our repeated requests.Ms. Shamdasani said.

“There needs to be due process, legal representation (and) evidence needs to be presented” in cases where employees are accused of breaking the law, the Chief Spokesperson stressed.

“None of this is being done. These are clearly fabricated, fabricated accusations and we categorically reject them.…These are all fake.”

Ms Shamdasani also reiterated the High Commissioner’s call for the Houthis – who after a decade of fighting the internationally recognised Government forces now control much of Yemen, including the capital Sana’a – “to facilitate rather than hinder UN entities and other human rights and humanitarian stakeholders in their efforts to serve the Yemeni people, including the promotion and protection of their human rights”.