Yemen: The Secretary-General calls on the Houthis to immediately release humanitarian workers

This came in a statement attributed to his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, six months after the detention of more than 50 employees from the United Nations, international and national non-governmental organizations, civil society, and diplomatic missions, adding to four UN employees who have been detained since 2021 and 2023.

The Secretary-General said in the statement issued today, Friday, that these actions threaten the safety of humanitarian workers and are incompatible with real participation in peace efforts.

While the Secretary-General noted the recent release of a United Nations staff member and two non-governmental organization workers, he recalled that the continued arbitrary detention of dozens of other staff members “This is unacceptable and a violation of international law.”

The Secretary-General emphasized that the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and other relevant international partners are working through all possible channels and authorities to ensure the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained.