Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention by the Houthi de facto authorities on January 23 of seven additional UN staff members in areas under their control.
Secretary-General António Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained on Thursday, as well as UN staff, international and national NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions arbitrarily detained since June 2024, in addition to UN staff detained in 2021 and 2023. He stressed that the continued arbitrary detention is unacceptable.
The UN has announced the suspension of all official movements to and within areas under the control of the de facto authorities in Sana’a until further notice, after detaining other UN staff.
In a press statement, the Secretary-General said: “UN staff and their associates should not be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their UN duties on behalf of the people they serve.” He emphasized the need to ensure the safety and security of UN staff and property.
He said that the continued targeting of UN staff and their associates negatively impacts the ability to assist millions of people in need in Yemen. He called on the Houthis to stop obstructing the humanitarian efforts of the UN and its partners to assist millions in need in Yemen.
He said: “The Houthis must fulfill their previous commitments and act in a manner that serves the interests of the people of Yemen and the overall efforts to achieve peace in Yemen. The UN will continue to work through all available channels to ensure the safe and immediate release of those arbitrarily detained. I appreciate the collective support of international partners, NGOs, and all those working to support the people of Yemen in these efforts.”
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said UN officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the de facto authorities, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff and their partners.
Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, had visited Sana’a earlier this month and urged the Houthis in all his discussions to release the detained UN, NGO, civil society, and diplomatic mission staff immediately and unconditionally.
He affirmed that arbitrary arrests are unacceptable and constitute a violation of international law. Grundberg had visited the home of the family of a colleague who had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis since June 2024. He expressed his deep sympathy and condolences for what they have endured during this difficult time and assured them of his support.
Grundberg briefed the family on the UN’s efforts to secure the release of all arbitrarily detained staff. He also expressed his solidarity with the families of other detainees, recognizing their shared suffering and the urgent need to release their loved ones.
The Special Envoy added: “We must protect the role of civil society and humanitarian workers. They make vital contributions to achieving peace and rebuilding Yemen.”
