IRADA Organization Meets with the Head of the (MENA) of the (OHCHR)– Geneva

The Chief of IRADA Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearance met with Mr. Mohamed Al-Nasour, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and his team at the Wilson Palace in Geneva. The meeting focused on the human rights situation in Yemen, particularly the cases of abductees and forcibly disappeared persons, whose files IRADA is actively pursuing and advocating for at both national and international levels.IRADA reaffirmed its commitment to continue monitoring and documenting violations in accordance with the international mechanisms of the OHCHR. The discussion also addressed the widespread campaign of abductions carried out by Houthi militia in recent years, which has intensified throughout 2024 to date.IRADA Chief highlighted the ongoing arbitrary detention campaigns by the Houthi militia, including the detention of United Nations staff members. The militia has arbitrarily detained dozens of UN personnel, prompting the United Nations to announce in January 2025 the suspension of all official movements to Houthi-controlled areas.Furthermore, since August 31, the Houthi militia has raided United Nations offices in Sana’a and abducted dozens of UN employees and humanitarian workers operating in Yemen. As of now, 21 individuals remain in Houthi custody, with a total of at least 44 UN and humanitarian organization staff members still detained.The Houthis have launched a wide-ranging campaign of misinformation and intimidation, including hysterical abductions of civilians—foremost among them UN employees—under false accusations of espionage and collaboration with foreign entities.IRADA expressed its appreciation to Mr. Al-Nasour for dedicating sufficient time for the meeting and commended the United Nations for its commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to Yemen despite the continued Houthi assaults on its staff. The organization strongly condemned the Houthis’ arrogance and their ongoing policy of blackmailing the United Nations through the abduction of international personnel and aid workers.IRADA Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearance Wilson Palace / United Nations – Geneva Wednesday, 10 September 2025