The internationally recognized Yemeni government expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Houthi group’s storming and forceful seizure of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the capital, Sana’a, in a dangerous escalation that threatens the course of humanitarian and human rights work in the country.
Official sources reported that armed Houthi elements stormed the office, looting its contents, including documents, furniture, and vehicles, and confiscating the office keys. This occurred months after a campaign of arrests targeting a number of UN staff and employees of international organizations. The government condemned this action as a blatant violation of international laws and norms, and a flagrant challenge to the international community.
Context of escalation against humanitarian work
This incident is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of restrictions imposed by the Houthi group on UN and international agencies in areas under its control. Since the middle of this year, the group has launched a widespread campaign of arrests targeting dozens of UN and international and local NGO staff, accusing them of “espionage”—charges that have been met with widespread international and UN condemnation. The takeover of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the latest in a series of measures aimed at undermining the independence of humanitarian and human rights work in Sana'a.
Violation of international conventions and immunities
This attack constitutes a clear violation of the UN Charter and the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which grants inviolability to UN premises, prohibiting entry without official authorization. Observers assert that this behavior places the Houthis in direct confrontation with international institutions, potentially leading to the international isolation of the areas under their control and depriving millions of beneficiaries of essential human rights monitoring programs and humanitarian aid.
The repercussions and demands to relocate headquarters
In light of these developments, the Yemeni government reiterated its call for the United Nations and all international agencies to relocate their headquarters to the interim capital, Aden, to ensure a safe and stable working environment free from interference and security threats. Experts believe that maintaining the headquarters in Sana'a under these circumstances endangers staff and hinders the organizations' ability to carry out their missions, negatively impacting the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where more than two-thirds of the population require some form of assistance and protection.
