On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of nine additional United Nations personnel by the Houthi de facto authorities, according to a statement by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
The arrests bring the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen to 53 since 2021, the statement said. Guterres also denounced the unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas controlled by the Houthis, warning that such actions undermine the organization's ability to deliver critical aid.
"They must be respected and protected in accordance with applicable international law," he said, reiterating his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic mission staff.
The ongoing detentions hinder the United Nations' operations in Yemen, and Guterres remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of UN personnel working to support communities in need.
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Nine more UN staff detained by Houthis in Yemen, UN chief condemns
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