Barran Press
Joyce Msuya, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator, reported on Tuesday that the arbitrary detention of humanitarian workers and false accusations against them continue to severely impede humanitarian assistance in Yemen.
In her briefing to the UN Security Council, Msuya described the arrests as part of an "increasingly unacceptable pattern of attacks against humanitarian workers," urging for their protection under international humanitarian law. She called for the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff, NGO personnel, and civil society members detained arbitrarily by the Houthis since June 2024, as well as those held since 2021 and 2023.
The UN firmly rejects the allegations made against the detainees, asserting that "UN staff should never be arrested or detained for the work they do." Msuya expressed deep concern regarding the alleged referral of many detained colleagues for "criminal prosecution" by the Houthi authorities, including three UN employees detained in 2021 and 2023. She stated that levying "potential charges" against colleagues is unacceptable.
She revealed that the UN has engaged in ongoing diplomatic efforts with the Houthis and other parties to secure the release of the arbitrarily detained, particularly during the high-level week of the General Assembly last month. Thanks to persistent advocacy, most detained UN staff have been able to contact their families and receive healthcare.
Msuya emphasized that colleagues must be treated humanely and with full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, including judicial guarantees as appropriate.
In her briefing, Msuya addressed the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, exacerbated by the rapidly deteriorating situation across the Middle East. She expressed the UN's concern over "ongoing attacks to and from Yemen," which have damaged vital infrastructure, including energy facilities and ports in Hodeidah and Ras Issa.
While both ports remain operational and capable of receiving humanitarian and commercial imports, power stations throughout Hodeidah are operating at significantly reduced capacity. In response, the UN is providing support to healthcare facilities to ensure the continuation of essential services.
Msuya reminded all parties to respect their obligations under international law, reiterating the Secretary-General's calls for maximum restraint and urging all parties to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and destroy civilian infrastructure. She stressed the importance of maintaining essential infrastructure for the survival of the population, noting that Yemen's ports on the Red Sea are lifelines for millions across the country.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate in both scale and intensity, with rising hunger levels. Partners expect the number of cases to double by March 2025, with humanitarian actors determined to provide extensive assistance to 18.2 million people in need.
Despite the humanitarian appeal for Yemen being funded at 41%, critical response sectors require urgent additional funding. The food security sector alone urgently needs $870 million. Without this support, 9 million people are expected to miss out on emergency food assistance in the last quarter of 2024.
Msuya highlighted the suffering in Yemen, noting that women, children, internally displaced persons, and other marginalized groups bear the brunt of the hunger crisis, facing increased protection risks and long-term health consequences.
She also pointed out a funding shortfall for cholera response efforts, which has forced health partners to close 21 out of 75 diarrhea treatment centers and 97 out of 423 oral rehydration centers. Estimates suggest that 70% of the remaining diarrhea treatment centers and 42% of oral rehydration centers will close by December without urgent funding.
Msuya urged member states to do everything possible to support humanitarian efforts, push for a resumption of the peace process, and urgently de-escalate tensions across the region.
In a related matter, she reported that at least 48 migrants recently lost their lives off the coast of Djibouti, believed to be returning from Yemen. According to the International Organization for Migration, 57 others from the same vessel remain missing.