Yemen – Under UN auspices, the parties agree to release 1,600 detainees

UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg said “It is a moment of great relief for thousands of Yemenis who have long been waiting painfully for the return of their loved ones.”

He added that this achievement is clear evidence of what continuous and serious negotiations can achieve, as it proves that the parties are capable – when they choose to engage in dialogue – to meet the priorities that burden Yemeni families, and to build the necessary confidence to serve the broader peace process.

He praised the parties for engaging in good faith and dedication to these negotiations for several weeks “Despite a period characterized by exceptional regional complexities.” He encouraged them to build on today’s results and implement further releases, including on a unilateral basis.

Today’s agreement builds on a previous round of negotiations held in Muscat, Oman, in December 2025.

In terms of next steps, the parties also agreed to meet again on further releases, conduct joint visits to their respective detention facilities, and ensure access to all detainees.

The UN envoy expressed his deep solidarity with all those arbitrarily detained and their families, including “United Nations employees, non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions who are arbitrarily detained by Ansar Allah.”

He stressed that the United Nations continues, with unrelenting determination, to press for their release. He expressed hope that the positive momentum achieved today would contribute to advancing efforts to release them.