Why are UN staff being detained in Yemen by Huthi authorities?
- Huthi security forces conducted raids and arrested at least 27 staff, including both men and women.
- The detained staff are from both UN agencies and local/international civil society organizations.
- Those arrested were providing assistance to vulnerable populations in Yemen.
What are the consequences of these arrests?
- Detained staff are being held incommunicado without access to legal counsel or their families.
- Huthi authorities are accused of exacerbating the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Yemen.
- Family members of staff members were also detained, including children.
How is the fear affecting civil society workers in Yemen?
- The arrests have instilled fear among civil society workers of potential arrest and reprisal.
- The Huthis have launched a media campaign accusing humanitarian organizations of conspiring against the country.
- Detainees have been coerced to ‘confess’ to spying on Huthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV.
What actions have Huthi authorities taken against humanitarian workers?
- Huthi authorities have continuously targeted human rights and humanitarian workers.
- Restrictions on movement and aid delivery in Yemen have been imposed, hindering relief efforts.
- Huthis sentenced 44 individuals to death on trumped up spying charges in an unfair mass trial.
Amnesty International has urged Huthi authorities to immediately release the detained UN and civil society workers to ensure humanitarian aid can reach those in need in Yemen.
Source: www.amnesty.org