UN calls for release of all aid workers detained by Houthis

The UN's special envoy to Yemen on Thursday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN, civil society and NGO workers held by the Houthi rebels.

Hans Grundberg told the Security Council: “This includes United Nations personnel, members of civil society, staff of diplomatic missions, private sector employees and individuals from minority religious communities.” Up to 17 Yemeni UN employees remain in Houthi custody, according to the world body.

Mr Grundberg warned that detentions are shrinking civic space and negatively affecting humanitarian efforts critical for Yemenis. He called on the Houthis to do “the right thing”.

“The continued detention of these individuals is a profound injustice to those who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of Yemen,” he said. “Release those detained immediately and unconditionally, and refrain from any further arbitrary detentions.”

Joyce Msuya, a senior UN aid official, said the UN was continuing with diplomatic efforts with the Houthi de facto authorities and other interlocutors.

She urged all member states to exert any and all influence they have in support of these attempts. “Additionally, we strongly reject false allegations by the Houthi de facto authorities against humanitarians, including recent claims of interference in Yemen's education system,” she added.

US deputy ambassador Robert Wood called out the Iran-backed group for the “shameless propaganda” put forth in an attempt to justify holding UN and other personnel.

“The Houthis continue to not only mistreat these detainees, but also seek to exploit them through the release of so-called confession videos,” he said. The Houthis have claimed those in custody are spies.

Mr Wood said it was time for the UN to adjust its non-life-saving programming and operations in Yemen to ensure the safety and security of all personnel.

Ms Msuya warned the humanitarian situation in Yemen was “steadily deteriorating” and said a “historically high” 62 per cent of surveyed households reported they do not have enough food.

“For the first time on record, three districts – two in Hodeidah and one in Taiz – are facing extremely critical levels of malnutrition ... four more districts are projected to reach this level by October,” she said.

“By the end of 2024, more than 600,000 children in government-of-Yemen-controlled areas are estimated to be acutely malnourished, and around 118,000 are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition – a 34 per cent increase since 2023.”