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investigators and sharing information” (para. 8), and noted that it had documented violations
which “continued to target human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and activists to
repress dissent and curtail criticism” (para. 80).
131. OHCHR documented government restrictions on humanitarian and development
activity which inhibited UN operations. Following the 6 November 2019 decree (No. 201)
issued by the Houthis (who also call themselves Ansar Allah) establishing the Supreme
Council for Management and Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and International
Cooperation (SCMCHA), local authorities have regularly limited access for OHCHR staff
during human rights investigations. Despite the cooperation agreement with the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, OHCHR has been required to seek approval for travel
between governorates and to access IDP camps managed by SCMCHA, as well as to conduct
workshops and activities in areas under Houthi control.
132. Further, on 10 January 2021 the Houthis published a statement determining that local
civil society organizations must not conduct online activities, events, research or
communication without prior approval of the SCMCHA. As a result, many civil society
actors are reportedly reluctant to engage with the UN, and on several occasions have declined
to cooperate with OHCHR’s remote investigations.
133. It was reported to OHCHR that Mr. Abdulmajeed Sabrah, a lawyer representing
journalists and human rights defenders in the northern areas of Yemen under the control of
the Houthi forces, has been intimidated for sharing information with the UN and informed
him that he was being actively monitored. He has advocated for his clients in meetings with
OHCHR and other UN entities, including on the health conditions of four detained journalists
whom he was assisting, and received threats including on social media warning him not to
continue with these cases. Between May 2020 and April 2021, he was accused verbally by
officials in the Specialized Criminal Prosecution Office in Sana’a for collaborating with
international bodies, among other entities.
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