Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has renewed his call to the armed Houthi group for the immediate release of humanitarian and diplomatic staff held captive by them.
He emphasized that the continued arbitrary detention of his colleagues is a grave injustice against those who dedicate their lives to providing assistance to the Yemeni people.
This month marks one year since dozens of staff members from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, as well as diplomatic missions, were detained by Houthi authorities. Others were also detained in 2021 and 2023, with the most recent detention of UN staff occurring in January of this year.
In a statement, Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the death of a World Food Programme colleague while in detention, demanding an immediate and transparent investigation.
The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with all detained colleagues and their families, commending their work and the perseverance of their loved ones.
He pointed out that their continued arbitrary detention restricts the humanitarian community’s ability to operate effectively and impedes mediation efforts for peace.
Guterres urged the Houthis to immediately release the detainees, especially with the blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha approaching, calling for compassion and an end to the suffering of the families.
Addressing the detainees, Guterres said: “You are not forgotten, and we will continue to work for your safe release.”
He called on member states to express their solidarity with the detainees and intensify efforts for their release, welcoming the support of international partners and NGOs in these endeavors.
