Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The European Union urged the removal of all obstacles preventing humanitarian aid from safely reaching all areas of Yemen, expressing deep concern over the growing restrictions imposed on relief operations.
In its address at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the EU strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations, particularly in areas under Houthi control.
It reaffirmed its support for strengthening the capacities of the National Committee for Investigating Violations, but considered its current mandate insufficient. The EU called on the Council to grant an official mandate that would allow discussion of Yemen’s deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation, based on independent reports from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
For its part, the United Kingdom condemned Houthi violations, including the detention of UN staff and humanitarian workers, as well as indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure.
In her statement before the Human Rights Council, UK Ambassador for Human Rights Eleanor Sanders expressed her country’s concern over violations in Yemen, pointing to restrictions on women’s freedom of movement, sexual violence, child marriage, and limitations on freedom of religion and belief—all described as grave human rights abuses committed by the Houthis. She urged all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations in this regard.
Yemen is suffering from one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to UN reports, more than 21 million people are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance and protection.
International organizations accuse the Houthis of using humanitarian aid as a political and military leverage tool by obstructing distribution, detaining aid workers, and restricting their movements, which has exacerbated the suffering of the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and the internally displaced.
