The chief spokesman of his office, who appealed on his behalf in Geneva, OHCHRRavina Shamdasani “unequivocally” rejected the “false allegations” to which a staff member was coerced into confessing.
“These are completely fabricated allegations,” she told reporters, pointing to “a video of one of our staff members that was also posted on social media, in which clearly a forced confession. Our colleague looked very upset in that video.”
Total 17 arrested
The six UN human rights workers – one woman and five men – were arrested on June 6 along with seven other UN workers.
Since 2021 and 2023 respectively, two staff members of the UN human rights body and two colleagues from other UN agencies have been detained and held incommunicado by de facto authorities, bringing the number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen to 17.
“Their whereabouts remain unknown and the de facto Houthi authorities have not allowed physical access to them, despite our repeated requests.“, said Mrs. Shamdasani.
“There must be a fair trial, legal representation and evidence presented” in cases where employees are accused of breaking the law, the chief spokesperson stressed.
“None of this has been done. These are clearly fabricated, fabricated allegations and we unequivocally reject them.…These are false.”
Ms Shamdasani also reiterated the High Commissioner’s call on the Houthis – who have taken control of much of Yemen, including the capital Sana’a, after a decade of fighting against internationally recognised government forces – “to facilitate rather than hinder UN entities and other human rights and humanitarian actors in their efforts to serve the people of Yemen, including for the promotion and protection of their human rights”.
