Capitals – Yemen, Agencies
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of at least 11 UN staff members by the Houthis in territories under their control in Yemen, which occurred two days ago.
He also decried the storming of World Food Programme facilities and the seizure of UN property, along with attempts to break into other UN offices in Sana’a.
In a statement released on Sunday, Guterres said that this ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests by the Houthis is unacceptable and reiterated his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.
He emphasized the need for the release of all UN personnel, as well as international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions that have been unlawfully detained since June of last year, in addition to those still held since 2021 and 2023. He stressed that the continued arbitrary detention of international staff is intolerable.
Guterres stated that UN employees and their partners should never be targeted for arrest or detention while performing their duties for the UN. He called for strict adherence to ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel and property.
He affirmed the importance of protecting UN premises at all times, vowing that the organization will tirelessly pursue the immediate and safe release of all unlawfully detained individuals and will continue to stand with the Yemeni people in their quest for lasting peace.
In a related development, Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, also expressed his strong condemnation of the new wave of arbitrary arrests of UN staff in Sana’a and Hodeidah, as well as the forced entry into UN facilities and confiscation of property.
He noted that despite ongoing efforts and requests for guarantees over the past year, arbitrary detention of UN staff and NGO workers has persisted.
These actions severely impede broader efforts to deliver aid and promote peace in Yemen, as the work of UN personnel is designed and managed according to the principles of neutrality, integrity, independence, and humanity.
Priority Issue
The UN official characterized these arrests as a violation of the fundamental commitment to respect and protect the safety, dignity, and ability of workers to carry out their essential functions in Yemen. He insisted on the immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff.
Additionally, he called for the release of local and international NGO employees, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, expressing solidarity with his detained colleagues and their families. He assured that securing their release will remain a priority for him and the entire UN family.
Julian Harnis, the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, expressed deep concern for his detained colleagues as well as for those imprisoned in previous years. He voiced worries about the implications of these detentions on the UN’s ability to assist the most vulnerable populations in Yemen as the humanitarian situation deteriorates.
France has condemned the recent wave of arbitrary arrests of UN employees by the Houthis, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemaire stated that these arrests are contrary to international law and hinder the distribution of humanitarian aid needed by the Yemeni people, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.