United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the continued detention of UN personnel and partners by Houthi authorities in Yemen, calling it a serious breach of international law that blocks humanitarian efforts. A statement released on Monday by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that nine more UN staff members were recently detained, raising the total number of arbitrary detentions since 2021 to 53. The Houthis have also seized UN offices and assets in areas under their control. These actions, the statement said, restrict the UN’s ability to provide essential aid in the country.
Guterres urged the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN, NGO, and diplomatic staff, emphasizing that their safety must be guaranteed under international law. He reiterated that UN personnel must be free to carry out their duties without interference and reminded the Houthis that UN facilities are protected under the UN Charter. The detentions follow repeated incidents, including those in Sana’a and Hudaydah, where at least 11 UN staff were forcibly taken and offices were seized. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg previously warned that these acts harm humanitarian operations and peace efforts.
The Houthis have also expanded their attacks beyond Yemen, targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and launching drones and missiles toward Israel. Their actions have drawn international condemnation for disrupting global trade and posing a threat to regional security. Despite the challenges, the UN reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of its staff and restoring its operations in Yemen, while continuing to support the country’s pursuit of peace.
Guterres urged the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN, NGO, and diplomatic staff, emphasizing that their safety must be guaranteed under international law. He reiterated that UN personnel must be free to carry out their duties without interference and reminded the Houthis that UN facilities are protected under the UN Charter. The detentions follow repeated incidents, including those in Sana’a and Hudaydah, where at least 11 UN staff were forcibly taken and offices were seized. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg previously warned that these acts harm humanitarian operations and peace efforts.
The Houthis have also expanded their attacks beyond Yemen, targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and launching drones and missiles toward Israel. Their actions have drawn international condemnation for disrupting global trade and posing a threat to regional security. Despite the challenges, the UN reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of its staff and restoring its operations in Yemen, while continuing to support the country’s pursuit of peace.
