Barran Press
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff detained by the Iranian-backed Houthi group in Yemen.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, seen by "Barran Press", Guterres expressed deep concern over the safety of UN personnel, civil society members, national and international NGOs, diplomatic missions, and private sector entities who have been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis for over two months.
Guterres strongly condemned the recent Houthi raid on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights office in Sana'a, noting that the Houthis have returned the office to the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen.
He reiterated the need for the detainees to be treated with respect for their human rights and to be allowed contact with their families and legal representatives.
The UN chief described the humanitarian and development situation in Yemen as "dire," stating that over 18 million people are suffering from food insecurity, disease outbreaks, displacement, damaged infrastructure, and a critical economic situation.
While acknowledging the UN's efforts to address the situation, Guterres emphasized the need to ensure the safety of UN personnel and to prevent the targeting, arrest, or detention of UN and partner staff during the execution of their mandates.
Last week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk confirmed that on August 3rd, the Houthis raided the UN Human Rights office in Sana'a, forcibly seizing documents, property, and the office keys.
In June, the Houthis abducted 13 UN staff members, including six working for the High Commissioner's office, along with over 50 NGO staff and one embassy employee, according to the UN.
The Houthis claimed they arrested members of an "American-Israeli spy network" operating under the guise of humanitarian organizations, allegations the UN has categorically denied.
The High Commissioner's office informed the Houthis on July 30th of its "suspension of operations" in Sana'a for security reasons.
Since June 7th, the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis, have been conducting a widespread campaign of arrests targeting international and UN staff working in Sana'a and areas under their control.
On June 24th, 2024, Yemen's internationally recognized Minister of Human Rights and Legal Affairs, Ahmed Arman, stated that over 70 people, including UN agency staff, international and local organizations, and five women, are being held by the Houthis.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government has repeatedly urged UN agencies and international organizations to relocate their headquarters to Aden, the declared temporary capital of Yemen, particularly in light of the increasing arrests of aid workers and humanitarian personnel in Sana'a and Houthi-controlled areas.
On August 5th, 2024, informed sources reported that the Houthis issued a decision prohibiting all foreign international staff working for UN and international organizations based in Sana'a from traveling.