The United Nations has called for the immediate release of at least 11 detained staff by Houthis in Yemen.
NEW YORK: The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation following the UN staff detained Yemen incident, where at least 11 UN personnel were arbitrarily arrested by the Houthis in areas under their control on 31st August. The detentions occurred in Sana’a and Al Hudaydah, escalating ongoing tensions in the war-torn country.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres labelled the detentions “unacceptable,” further criticising the forced entry into the World Food Programme office, the seizure of UN property, and attempts to enter other UN facilities. He reiterated his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained staff — including those from UN agencies, NGOs, civil society organisations, and diplomatic missions — many of whom have been held since 2021.
Guterres also stressed that UN personnel must not be targeted while performing humanitarian duties and that their safety, as well as the sanctity of UN premises, must be respected at all times.
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, echoed these concerns, confirming that 11 UN staff are now detained, alongside 23 others already in custody. He noted that despite continuous dialogue and repeated appeals, the detentions persist, severely hindering humanitarian operations and peace-building efforts.
Grundberg also revealed that one UN colleague died while in custody earlier this year. He reaffirmed that the work of the United Nations remains rooted in neutrality, impartiality and humanity, and demanded full protection for all humanitarian workers.
The situation underscores the growing dangers faced by international aid workers in Yemen. The UN staff detained Yemen issue remains a key concern for global peacekeeping and humanitarian agencies operating in conflict zones.
