Irada Organization Meets with the Officer in Charge of the MENA File

Today, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Irada Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearance discussed with Ms. Nadeen Sahuri, the Officer in Charge for Yemen, Middle East, and North Africa file at the (OHCHR), the grave violations committed, and still being committed, by Houthi militias against Yemeni civilians, foremost among them the ongoing campaign of arrests and abductions targeting UN staff and employees of international missions and organizations.

The meeting addressed the most recent of these crimes, including raids carried out by Houthi militias on August 31 targeting UN offices and facilities in Sana’a, as well as the widespread arrests of politicians, journalists, and activists in Houthi-controlled areas, particularly in the governorates of Ibb and Sana’a.

During the meeting, Sheikh Gamal Al-Maamari, Chief of Irada Organization, reviewed the arbitrary measures adopted by Houthis militia in blatant violation of Yemeni and international law. These include raids, abductions, and the leveling of malicious accusations of espionage and collaboration with the United States and Israel. He explained that such practices aim to implicate UN and humanitarian staff in fabricated cases despite their vital humanitarian role in alleviating the suffering of Yemenis and addressing the growing need for food amid dire living conditions, thereby exposing the detainees to the risk of severe sentences.

Al-Maamari outlined three main objectives pursued by Houthis militia through these abductions:

1. Blackmailing the United Nations to secure special support and privileges.

2. Seizing control of relief and development programs by imposing direct dealings with the militias outside the framework of the legitimate government.

3. Achieving political gains that serve their coup agenda.

Irada Org Chief affirmed that the issue of the forcibly disappeared is a top priority, announcing the Organization’s intention to release a comprehensive report in the coming days exposing the locations of secret prisons and the whereabouts of the forcibly disappeared.

Al-Maamari stressed the need for the international community to exert the highest level of pressure on Houthis to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all abductees and forcibly disappeared persons, foremost among them UN employees detained in militia’s prisons. He also expressed regret over the weak stance of the United Nations toward these violations, calling on it to reclaim its active role in Yemen and to deal with Houthis militia with greater firmness and deterrence to prevent further crimes.

For her part, UN official Nadine Sahouri expressed her full understanding of the grave violations endured by civilians in Yemen and affirmed the High Commissioner’s commitment to continuing efforts to find practical means to secure the release of the detainees and end their suffering.

Issued by Irada Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearance,

Tues. Sept 23, 2025
Palais des Nations – Geneva