The plight of dozens of detained aid workers and their families continues.
On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, Mwatana for Human Rights renews its call on the Ansar Allah (Houthis) group to immediately release all staff of international and local organizations, as well as employees of private companies, who the group’s authorities have held for over a year. This step remains an urgent necessity towards addressing the obstacles that have disrupted humanitarian programs and exacerbated the suffering of millions of Yemenis.
Mwatana stated that violations against humanitarian and development institutions, and the restrictions imposed on their operations and activities, have contributed to the reduction of aid provided to Yemen, and led to the suspension of many humanitarian and service programs that once reached millions, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis—classified globally as one of the world’s largest and most severe.
On May 31, 2024, in Sana’a, Ansar Allah (Houthis) authorities launched a wide-scale campaign of arrests that targeted more than 35 employees of international and local organizations, diplomatic missions, and private companies, including four women and 11 staff members of UN agencies in Yemen. Security and Intelligence Agency forces raided the homes and offices of these employees, confiscating and searching their phones and electronic devices, without disclosing any charges. According to eyewitnesses, the raids were carried out abruptly and at different hours of the night, after surrounding the targeted homes and offices.
