Houthi Factsheet

This factsheet assesses freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) conditions in areas of northern Yemen controlled by the Houthi movement. Following the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, the Houthis have escalated their systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom affecting a range of groups, including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Yemeni women and girls, and all individuals who dissent from the movement’s singular interpretation of Islam. By advancing its religious ideology across sectors – including education, military, correctional facilities, and the judiciary – the Houthis are severely restricting religious freedom in a country with a millennia-long history of religious diversity. The few remaining members of minority faith communities stay hidden due to threats of Houthi intimidation and violence.