Flooding in Yemen’s coastal Hodeidah province has killed at least 30 people, while floods in the inland district of Taizz killed 15. The World Health Organization reports severe damage to homes and infrastructure, with contaminated water worsening the cholera outbreak in the country. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch said in a newly released report that authorities across Yemen have “obstructed aid” to stricken areas, and “failed to take adequate preventative measures to mitigate the spread of cholera.” The report especially criticizes such obstruction by the Houthi forces, who have for years maintained a siege of Taizz. (TNH)
Map via PCL
UN Human Rights Commissioner condemns storming of Yemen office
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Aug. 13 condemned the storming of the UN Human Rights office in Yemen by Houthi de facto authorities. The office in Sana’a was overrun on Aug. 3, after an earlier storming in June, resulting in the detainment of 11 UN personnel, whose unconditional release was demanded by Türk. The rebels still control the premises after forcing the staff to hand over documents and vehicles.
The High Commissioner previously called for the release of detained personnel. The Houthi rebels are also responsible for the detention of two other staff members of the UN Human Rights Office, one detained in 2021 and the other in 2023, neither of whom have been returned. (Jurist)