Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the detention of United Nations and humanitarian personnel in Yemen

The Secretary-General renews his call for the immediate and unconditional release of the humanitarian personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. It has been six months since the detention of more than 50 personnel from the United Nations, international and national non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions, in addition to four other UN personnel detained since 2021 and 2023.

The Secretary-General acknowledges the recent release of one UN staff member and two NGO personnel but recalls that the continued arbitrary detention of dozens of others is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of international law.

These detentions threaten the safety of humanitarian personnel and significantly impair efforts to assist millions of people in need. These actions are inconsistent with genuine engagement in peace efforts.

The United Nations, NGOs and other relevant international partners are working through all possible channels and authorities to secure the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 6 December 2024