Yemen Monitor / New York / Special Report:
The United Kingdom strongly condemned the Houthis’ arrest of more than 22 United Nations staff members in Yemen, stressing that such actions threaten the safety of humanitarian workers and worsen the country’s already deteriorating crisis.
This came in a speech delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, before the Security Council during a special session on the Yemen file, followed by Yemen Monitor.
The British ambassador called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff, as well as workers from NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions detained by the Houthis, including those who have been held since 2021.
He stressed that the safety and security of UN personnel and the sanctity of UN facilities must be guaranteed at all times.
Kariuki also condemned the Houthis’ storming of WFP and UNICEF offices and their seizure of UN property.
In another context, the UK condemned what it described as the Houthis’ “continuous and sustained aggression,” including missile and drone attacks against Israel and strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.
The British ambassador urged all parties to exercise restraint and halt reckless escalation, which has already resulted in a large number of civilian casualties.
He affirmed that Israel has the right to defend itself but emphasized the need for it to abide by international humanitarian law and avoid harming vital civilian infrastructure.
The United Kingdom also expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen, projecting that the number of people suffering from food insecurity could rise to more than 18 million within the next six months.
Ambassador Kariuki noted that his country allocated $79 million this year to address the food insecurity crisis. He called on the international community and donors to focus on the humanitarian response and close funding gaps, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting the UN Special Envoy and his team in finding a path toward lasting stability and security in Yemen.
