UN Slams Houthi Rebels Over Arbitrary Detentions, Calls for Immediate Release of All Staff

United Nations (The Uttam Hindu): The United Nations has condemned the arbitrary detention of its humanitarian workers by the Houthi rebels in Yemen and has demanded their immediate and unconditional release. The development comes after one UN staff member detained earlier this week was freed by the Houthis.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, informed the media on Wednesday that UN colleagues in Yemen confirmed the release of one more detained individual on Tuesday. However, he noted that a total of 53 UN personnel have been detained by the Houthis since 2021 — a situation that continues to severely hamper humanitarian operations in the war-torn country.

According to reports from Xinhua, Dujarric urged the Houthi group to release all detained UN and humanitarian workers immediately and without conditions, emphasizing that they were working to assist Yemen’s most vulnerable communities.

Earlier on Tuesday, Secretary-General António Guterres had strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detentions of UN personnel and the illegal seizure of UN premises and assets in areas controlled by the Houthis. His remarks came following the recent arrest of nine additional UN staff members.

“These actions directly obstruct the UN’s ability to operate effectively in Yemen,” Dujarric said, adding that the Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the safety of all UN staff in the country.

Guterres reiterated his urgent appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN, NGO, civil society, and diplomatic personnel, stressing that international law requires their protection and respect. He also reaffirmed that UN staff must be allowed to work freely without interference, and that UN premises and properties are inviolable under the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

The UN statement concluded by asserting that the organization will continue to pursue all available channels to ensure the safe release of its detained personnel and the restoration of its facilities in Yemen. Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Yemen and their aspirations for peace and stability.