UN Secretary-General Condemns the Houthis’ Detention of Ten Additional UN Staff and Demands Their Immediate Release
El Gisr – Exclusive
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention carried out by the Houthi de facto authorities on 18 December of ten additional United Nations staff members, bringing the total number of detained UN personnel to 69.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, the Secretary-General warned that these detentions render the delivery of UN humanitarian assistance in areas under Houthi control unsustainable, directly affecting millions of people in need and restricting their access to life-saving aid.
The Secretary-General called for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including UN staff, members of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions. He also urged the Houthis to drop the referral of UN staff for prosecution.
He further stressed the need to respect international law, including the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, which are essential to enabling humanitarian work in a safe environment and in line with humanitarian principles.
The Secretary-General said that he and the United Nations will continue sustained efforts with Member States and the Security Council, as well as through direct engagement with the Houthis, to secure the release of all detained UN colleagues. He expressed his full solidarity with the affected families and communities in Yemen.
