The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) renewed its call on Friday for the immediate and unconditional release of four of its staff members who have been "arbitrarily" detained by the Houthi group, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization.

In a statement, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized that the detention of these employees in Sana'a represents a blatant violation of international law and the protective measures afforded to UN staff.

Azoulay noted that two of the detained staff members have been imprisoned since 2021 and 2023, respectively, while a further two were arrested in June of this year. She highlighted that these cases are part of a broader pattern of arbitrary detentions affecting approximately 50 personnel from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions in Yemen.

She urged the Iranian-backed group to take responsibility and release all detained staff members immediately and without conditions, stressing that this action is crucial for the continued operation of international organizations in Yemen and for delivering humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people.