Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The United Nations and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Yemen have called on the Houthi group to end the arbitrary detention of their staff so they can celebrate Ramadan with their families and loved ones.
In a joint statement, they expressed their sincerest wishes to the Yemeni people on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, a sacred time for reflection, compassion, and forgiveness.
The statement read: “While families around the world gather to celebrate this blessed month, millions in Yemen continue to struggle to meet their basic needs amid worsening hardships. The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with millions facing hunger, disease, and economic distress.”
According to the statement, women and children remain among the most affected, as preventable and treatable diseases pose a constant threat to the lives of children under the age of five.
It added: “Despite mounting challenges, the United Nations, international NGOs, and humanitarian partners remain committed to providing life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable Yemenis.”
However, the ongoing arbitrary detention of dozens of United Nations and aid agency staff in northern Yemen continues to hinder operations and limit access to those in urgent need.
“In the spirit of Ramadan, a time of peace and solidarity, the United Nations and international NGOs in Yemen call on the Houthis, who control Sana’a, to end the arbitrary detention of our colleagues so they can celebrate this holy month with their families and loved ones,” the statement urged.
It also called on the international community, especially Yemen’s friends and neighbors, to support principled humanitarian aid for the Yemeni people during this critical period.
The statement concluded: “We hope that Ramadan brings renewed hope, relief, and a stronger global commitment to the people of Yemen.”
Signed by:
- The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- Oxfam – Oxfam International
- Save the Children – Save the Children International
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund
- World Food Programme (WFP)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
