Houthi rebels asked a UN human rights agency to close its office in Sana’a.
The move comes amid an escalating crackdown on UN agencies and international organizations, according to a Yemeni Internationally recognized government (IRG) minister and local media.
Ahmed Arman the IRG Human Rights Minister told Arab News on Tuesday that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights office in Sanaa received a letter on Monday asking that the office be closed within three days without any explanation for the request.
“The office will be closed down by Thursday. The Houthis intend to shut offices of foreign organizations that do not produce help or money, such as those for human rights, capacity-building and development groups,” Arman said.
The Houthis began targeting UN agencies, Western missions, and human rights and assistance groups offices in Sana’a by abducted more than 70 local staff working for such organizations, including nine women. They accused them of espionage activities on behalf of the US and Israel, and undermining the country’s agricultural, health, and educational sectors.
Arab News asked the UN to comment on the closure of the office in Sanaa but no response has yet been received.