Five Yemeni Baha’is are still in detention in Yemen after armed Houthis raided a peaceful Baha’i gathering almost 10 months ago and detained 17 people. They are being held without charge or due process just because of their religion. The Baha’i International Community continues to call for their immediate release.

Along with many other Yemeni Baha'is, the 12 that have been released are under continuous surveillance, jeopardizing their safety and restricting their freedom of movement. The 12 were forced to sign undertakings for their release and then forced into an indoctrination program intended to induce them to recant their Baha’i beliefs.

The sad irony is that the Houthis continue to relentlessly persecute their own people at a time when they try to portray themselves as defenders of the oppressed.

We commend the ongoing efforts of the Special Envoy for Yemen in securing a UN-backed roadmap to end the civil war in Yemen, with the crucial participation of all parties. This process presents a significant opportunity to address the critical issue of discrimination against minorities and to build a united and inclusive society. Ensuring the full participation of all segments of Yemeni society is fundamental to building a lasting peace and fostering the well-being of all Yemenis. The Baha'is of Yemen, along with all others, are striving towards this shared  aspiration of  a more prosperous Yemen.