UN chief calls for release of UN staff detained by Yemen's Houthis

3/6/2025 7:41

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff detained by the Houthis in Yemen.



"This June marks one year since the arbitrary detention of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen," he said in a statement. "I renew my call for their immediate and unconditional release, including those held since 2021 and 2023, and most recently this January."



The United Nations and its humanitarian partners should never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their mandates for the benefit of the people they serve, said Guterres. "The continued arbitrary detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice against those who dedicate their lives to providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen. It has placed additional constraints on our ability to operate effectively and undermined mediation efforts to secure a path toward peace."