NEW YORK CITY: The UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, once again condemned the arbitrary detention by the Houthis in Yemen of dozens of UN personnel, as well as humanitarian workers, representatives of civil society and diplomatic staff, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.
Guterres denounced a campaign of imprisonment that began in June 2024, and reiterated his concerns over similar arrests that took place in 2025, 2023 and 2021. The continuing detention of aid workers and UN employees violates international law and undermines critical humanitarian operations across the country, he said.
A total of 73 UN workers remain in detention. One employee died in custody, and several continue to be held without any communication with their families or colleagues.
“The secretary-general stands in solidarity with those detained and their families,” said Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for Guterres. Humanitarian workers must never be targeted or imprisoned for carrying out their duties, he added.
The UN has warned that detentions cause significant suffering among the families of those being held, and severely restrict the ability of humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to millions of Yemenis in need. The country remains in the grips of one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world, after years of conflict and economic hardship.
The secretary-general also underscored the fact that UN personnel, including Yemeni nationals employed by the organization, were protected under the rule of international law and enjoy immunity from legal processes for actions performed in the course of their official duties.
Despite the concerns about ongoing detentions, Guterres said it was important that dialogue with the Houthi authorities is maintained in an attempt to free those being held, and to facilitate the resumption of humanitarian and developmental activities throughout the country.
The UN said it would continue to utilize all available channels in its efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of all detained personnel.
Reaffirming the organization’s commitment to Yemen, Guterres said the UN remained dedicated to support for the Yemeni people, and the advancement of efforts to achieve a just, inclusive and lasting peace in the country.
