The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of humanitarian personnel detained by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
This appeal comes amidst growing concerns over the prolonged detention of aid workers, which undermines international efforts to assist those in dire need.
The UN has reported that more than 50 humanitarian personnel, including staff from non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions, have been held in detention for over six months. Additionally, four UN staff members have remained in Houthi custody since 2021 and 2023.
Despite the recent release of one UN staff member and two NGO personnel, the Secretary-General has expressed deep concern over the continued arbitrary detention of dozens of others.
According to a statement released by UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the prolonged detention of these workers is a clear violation of international law and poses a serious threat to their safety.
It also hampers critical humanitarian operations aimed at aiding millions of vulnerable people across Yemen. The statement emphasised that such actions are incompatible with genuine efforts toward peace and stability in the region.
The detention of aid workers comes at a time when Yemen is grappling with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Years of conflict have left millions of Yemenis in urgent need of food, medical assistance, and shelter.
The work of humanitarian personnel is vital in addressing this crisis, yet their detention significantly impedes the delivery of life-saving aid.
The Secretary-General has urged the Houthi leadership to act in accordance with international law and immediately release all detained humanitarian personnel.
He noted that their detention not only violates the rights of the individuals involved but also disrupts the broader mission of providing relief to Yemen's suffering population.
The United Nations, along with NGOs and other international partners, is actively engaging with relevant authorities to secure the safe release of those detained.
Efforts are being made through diplomatic channels and negotiations to resolve the issue and ensure that humanitarian workers can resume their critical activities without fear of persecution.
This situation highlights the increasing risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Across the world, aid workers are often caught in the crossfire of political and military struggles, making their work more dangerous and challenging.
The UN and other global organisations continue to advocate for stronger protections and respect for international law to safeguard humanitarian operations.
The prolonged detention of these personnel has drawn condemnation from the international community, with calls for the Houthis to demonstrate their commitment to peace by releasing the detainees.
Observers argue that such actions undermine trust and hinder any progress toward resolving Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
Yemen’s civil war, which began in 2014, has devastated the country and caused widespread suffering. The conflict between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels has displaced millions and created severe food and health crises.
While efforts to broker peace have seen limited progress, incidents like the detention of humanitarian workers add further complexities to the situation.
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