Human rights experts from the United Nations are calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebels to release five members of the Baha’i religious minority who have been detained for a year. The experts stated that 12 others have been released under strict conditions but five are still held in difficult circumstances. Concerns have been raised about the treatment of Baha’i followers by the Houthis, who have controlled much of the country since the civil war began in 2014.
These 12 individuals were only released after agreeing not to communicate with other Baha’is, refrain from engaging in any Baha’i activities, and not leave their hometowns without permission. The experts emphasized the need for the remaining detainees to be released, stressing that they are at risk of torture and other human rights violations. The Houthis have a history of detaining political and religious opponents, with reports of widespread torture in detention facilities.
The Baha’i religious minority has been a target of persecution by the Houthis, who have pressured members to convert to Islam. The Baha’i faith was founded in the 19th century and teaches the unity of all people and faiths. The UN experts are part of the Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system. Despite their recommendations, a spokesman for the Houthis did not respond to requests for comment on the situation of the detained Baha’i followers.
The Houthis have been accused of carrying out a campaign against political and religious opponents, leading to the detention of thousands of individuals. Enforced disappearances and torture are reportedly common in Houthi detention facilities. The international community has repeatedly called for the protection of human rights in Yemen, particularly for vulnerable minorities like the Baha’i community. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of assistance.
