Geneva – SAM for Rights and Liberties stated that the continued detention of employees of international, UN, and humanitarian organizations by the Houthi group constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights protected under international human rights law and increases concerns regarding the physical and psychological well-being of those held in detention, particularly individuals suffering from health complications that require specialized medical care.

The organization pointed out that the ongoing detention of dozens of individuals working in humanitarian and international fields reflects a troubling pattern of restrictions targeting civic and humanitarian activities in areas under Houthi control. SAM stressed that depriving detainees of their liberty without adequate legal guarantees and due process undermines basic principles of justice and the rule of law.

In this context, SAM referred to the case of Sami Lotf Al-Kulabi, an employee of the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, who has remained in detention for two years amid reports of a serious deterioration in his health condition. According to information made public by his family, Al-Kulabi suffers from multiple health problems and has required repeated medical intervention during his detention, raising significant concerns regarding his well-being and access to adequate healthcare.

The organization noted that many families of detainees continue to endure prolonged uncertainty, anxiety, and limited access to information regarding the conditions and welfare of their relatives. It emphasized that the consequences of arbitrary detention extend beyond the detainees themselves, causing lasting psychological, social, and economic harm to their families and communities.

SAM affirmed that the health and safety of all persons deprived of liberty remain the responsibility of the detaining authority. The organization stressed that detainees must have prompt access to appropriate medical care, regular communication with their families, and all protections guaranteed under international human rights standards.

The organization further emphasized that the arbitrary detention of civilians and humanitarian personnel, as well as their use for political or security purposes, constitutes a clear violation of international obligations and undermines efforts aimed at promoting confidence, humanitarian access, and respect for human rights in Yemen.

SAM called on the Houthi group to immediately release all arbitrarily detained individuals, particularly employees of international, UN, and humanitarian organizations, and to ensure full respect for their legal and human rights pending their release.

The organization also urged the United Nations, the Office of the Special Envoy, and international human rights mechanisms to intensify efforts to secure the release of all arbitrarily detained personnel and to ensure that detainees facing health risks receive the medical care and humanitarian protections to which they are entitled.