UN Reports 73 Staff Detained by Houthis, Demands Immediate Release

The United Nations announced on Wednesday that 73 of its staff members remain arbitrarily detained by the Houthi group in Yemen, two years after a wave of arrests targeting dozens of personnel from the UN, relief organizations, and civil society. The organization reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that the Secretary-General "reiterates his condemnation of the detention of UN staff, humanitarian workers, civil society personnel, and diplomatic staff by Houthi authorities," including arrest campaigns observed in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The statement highlighted that one UN staff member died while in detention, and several detainees are being held in complete isolation, denied contact with their families or the outside world. These practices are considered a clear violation of international law.

The UN emphasized that the continued detention of its staff has caused significant suffering to their families and has directly impacted the organization's and its partners' ability to implement humanitarian and development programs and deliver aid to millions of Yemenis in need across the country.

The statement clarified that UN staff, including Yemeni nationals, are entitled to immunity from legal proceedings related to their official duties. It called for respect for these immunities and relevant international obligations.

The UN Secretary-General reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and communication with Houthi authorities to secure the release of detainees and resume humanitarian and development activities, stressing that humanitarian workers "should never be targeted or detained for carrying out their work."

The international organization affirmed its commitment to utilizing all available means to ensure the immediate and safe release of its detained staff, reiterating its dedication to continuing support for the Yemeni people and their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.