The United Nations has reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of 73 of its staff arbitrarily detained by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, amid ongoing repercussions from a wave of arrests targeting humanitarian workers in recent years.
According to a statement from the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, the international organization remains deeply concerned by the continued detention of UN staff, as well as personnel from non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions, by Houthi authorities. He noted that arrest campaigns have occurred repeatedly during the years 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The statement clarified that one UN staff member died while in detention. Several detainees remain in complete isolation, denied contact with their families or relevant authorities, which the organization has described as a clear violation of international law.
The UN emphasized that the continued detention of its staff inflicts significant humanitarian suffering on their families. It also severely restricts the ability of the organization and its partners to carry out relief, humanitarian, and development assistance operations for millions in need across Yemen, at a time when the country's humanitarian situation is worsening.
The statement pointed out that UN staff, including Yemeni nationals, possess legal immunity related to their official duties, necessitating respect for their legal status and protection from harm while performing their humanitarian tasks.
The UN Secretary-General has renewed his call for continued dialogue with Houthi authorities to ensure the release of all detainees and to enable humanitarian agencies to resume their work without restrictions, stressing that humanitarian workers "should not be targeted or detained for performing their duties."
