The United Nations strongly condemned the detention of 10 additional UN personnel by Houthi rebels in Yemen, bringing the total number of UN staff held to 54 since 2021.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, denounced the “arbitrary detention” of UN workers and humanitarian partners, as well as the unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in Houthi-controlled areas. These actions, he stated, severely hinder the UN’s ability to deliver critical aid and operate effectively in Yemen.

The detained individuals, all Yemeni nationals, include staff from UN agencies, international and local NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions. The Houthis—formally known as the Ansar Allah movement—have escalated their targeting of humanitarian personnel amid ongoing conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

The Secretary-General renewed his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel and emphasized that UN staff must be respected and protected under international law. He also reiterated that UN offices and assets are inviolable and must be safeguarded at all times.

Despite the challenges, the UN remains committed to supporting the people of Yemen and pursuing a just and lasting peace. Guterres affirmed that the organization will continue working through all available channels to secure the safe release of its staff and restore operational access across the country.