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.