The United Nations Security Council on Friday issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing detention of United Nations personnel, non-governmental organization workers, and diplomatic staff by Yemen's Houthi group, as the second anniversary of the June 2024 mass detentions approached.
Security Council Statement
In a formal statement, the Council declared: "The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their condemnation in the strongest terms of the detentions by the Houthis of personnel from the United Nations system, national and international non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and diplomatic missions." The Council expressed deep concern for the welfare of those unjustly detained in multiple waves of arrests dating back to 2021 and reiterated the demand for the "unconditional, safe and immediate release" of all detainees, including 73 United Nations personnel.
Humanitarian Concerns
Council members welcomed continued efforts by the UN through all available channels to secure the detainees' release, affirming that "all threats to those delivering humanitarian assistance are unacceptable and worsen the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen." The statement underscored the obligations of all conflict parties under international humanitarian law to allow full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, and to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel.
Worsening Crisis
Warning that the humanitarian crisis would continue to worsen without a political resolution, the statement noted that more than 22.3 million Yemenis are in need of assistance. The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and reiterated its backing for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg in his pursuit of a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led political settlement consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.
