Volker Türk Condemns Seizure of Office in Sana’a and Demands Release of Detained Staff

Türk denounced the breach of UN privileges and the illegal detention of UN staff, calling for their immediate release.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the recent seizure of the UN Human Rights Office in Sana’a by Ansar Allah de facto authorities. Türk denounced the breach of UN privileges and the illegal detention of UN staff, calling for their immediate release.

On June 6 and 7, Ansar Allah detained 13 UN staff, including six from the Human Rights Office, and over 50 NGO workers, along with an embassy staff member. Two UN Human Rights staff had been detained since late 2021 and 2023. The detainees are being held incommunicado.

Following these detentions and security concerns, the UN Human Rights Office in Sana’a temporarily suspended operations but continues work in other parts of Yemen. On August 3, Ansar Allah sent a delegation to the office, forcibly taking documents, furniture, and vehicles, and still controls the premises.

Türk emphasized that these actions are a serious attack on the UN's ability to perform its mandate, and he reiterated calls for the unconditional release of all detained staff. He also criticized the baseless allegations of espionage made against the staff, asserting that the Office's activities are solely in service of the Yemeni people.

The UN Human Rights Office in Yemen monitors the impact of conflict and violence on civilians, focusing on vulnerable groups and the promotion of human rights. Türk stressed the importance of respecting UN independence and allowing the continuation of its critical work in Yemen.