UN Condemns Detention of Staff in Yemen

The United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned the recent detention of at least 11 UN personnel by Houthi authorities in Yemen on 31 August. The incident included forced entry into the World Food Programme offices, seizure of UN property, and attempts to enter other UN facilities in Sana’a.

The Secretary-General demanded the immediate and unconditional release of those detained, as well as all other UN, NGO, civil society, and diplomatic personnel who have been arbitrarily held since 2021, 2023, and June 2024. He described the continued detention of such individuals as intolerable.

He emphasized that UN staff and property must never be targeted, arrested, or detained while performing their duties, and that the safety and security of UN personnel and premises must always be guaranteed.

The UN reaffirmed its commitment to work tirelessly for the safe release of all detainees and to continue supporting the people of Yemen in their pursuit of a just and lasting peace.