Yemen Urges UN To Move Operations to Aden After Houthi Seizure of UN Office
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has urged the United Nations and other global organizations to shift their operations from Houthi-controlled Sanaa to the southern port city of Aden. The call comes after Houthi forces took over the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Sanaa.
Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani, speaking through state media late Tuesday night, called for “all UN agencies and international organizations working in Yemen to immediately move their headquarters to the interim capital, Aden.” This plea follows heightened security concerns and growing difficulties in maintaining humanitarian efforts in Houthi-controlled areas.
On Tuesday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the seizure of the OHCHR office, calling it “a serious attack on the ability of the UN to perform its mandate.” He demanded that Houthi forces vacate the premises and return all confiscated assets. Türk also renewed his call for the release of detained UN staff.
Houthi forces reportedly raided the UN office in Sanaa’s Hadda district last week, confiscating vehicles, documents, and crucial electronic information, including the main hard drive. Yemen’s government has previously warned that over 50 aid workers remain detained by the Houthis, increasing pressure for organizations to evacuate Sanaa.
The Houthi group, which has controlled northern Yemen since 2014, accused the detained aid workers of collaborating with foreign intelligence agencies. This conflict has plunged Yemen into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, according to the UN.
