May 11, 2023

USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Houthi-Controlled Areas of Yemen

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on religious freedom in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen:

Religious Freedom in Houthi-Controlled Areas of Yemen – This factsheet outlines religious freedom conditions in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Houthi governance justified on religious grounds is putting severe pressure on religious minorities including Christians, Baha’is, Jews, and non-religious persons. The few remaining members of each community stay hidden due to threats of Houthi harassment, intimidation, and violence. The Houthi movement continues to spread its dominance and control over areas in northern Yemen through its systematic religious indoctrination campaign that reaches across multiple sectors, including education, health, and detention facilities, as well as civil society. The situation of women living under Houthi rule has also grown more dire. Authorities have increasingly imposed policies with a religious underpinning that restrict women’s religious freedom. These include male guardian requirements for travel and forced segregation in public spaces.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].