The expulsion of a senior UN official from Yemen has been condemned by the global organization as “unwarranted” and “counterproductive.”

On Thursday, Yemen’s Government declared the head of the UN human rights office there persona non grata, a Latin term/diplomatic parlance which means they are no longer allowed in the country.

For most of the past year, Yemen has been gripped by fighting that has pitted forces loyal to the President, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, against rebels known as Houthis.

Both the UN Secretary-General and the UN Human Rights High Commissioner have criticized the decision, adding that they fear for the safety of personnel on the ground.

Dianne Penn reports.

Duration:  2'38"