Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that the Houthi group’s seizure of all assets and property belonging to Save the Children in areas under its control constitutes a grave violation of humanitarian operational standards and a clear breach of international humanitarian law, particularly the provisions related to the protection of humanitarian assets and the prohibition of threats or unlawful appropriation of aid and personnel.
The organization explained that this action, which followed Save the Children’s announcement of the closure of its offices in Sana’a and several Yemeni governorates in May, reflects a deeply troubling pattern of hostility toward humanitarian organizations operating in Yemen. Such actions directly undermine the ability to deliver aid and essential services to the most vulnerable populations.
SAM reported that information obtained from reliable sources—independently verified—confirms that senior figures within the Houthi group led raids on the organization’s premises and seized its assets, including vehicles, electric generators, electronic equipment, medical supplies, and office materials, with an estimated total value of approximately $4 million. The confiscation also included fixed installations legally protected from tampering, such as iron gates, security barriers, and other structural modifications made by the organization during its operations.
The organization noted that these actions, which followed the termination of nearly 400 staff contracts, violate Article 71 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1977, which requires the protection and respect of relief personnel and their property. The actions also contravene UN General Assembly Resolution 46/182, which affirms the necessity of enabling humanitarian organizations to carry out their duties freely and without obstruction.
SAM stressed that these violations may amount to crimes under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, particularly concerning pillage and destruction of property not justified by military necessity, in the context of a non-international armed conflict such as that in Yemen.
The organization called for an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the seizure of Save the Children’s assets, and for ensuring accountability for the individuals and entities involved in these violations. It emphasized that halting such unlawful acts is essential to protect civilian lives and interests and to safeguard the future of humanitarian work in Yemen.