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United Nations

UN Secretary-General Condemns Arbitrary Detention of Staff in Yemen

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of at least 11 staff members in Yemen by the de facto Houthi authorities. The Houthis entered the premises of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the capital, Sana'a, and seized UN property, attempting to enter other UN premises in the city. The Houthis have been battling Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for control of the country for over a decade, and have also been targeting Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinian cause in Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 11 UN staff members have been arbitrarily detained in Yemen by the de facto Houthi authorities, with the Houthis entering the premises of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Sana'a and seizing UN property.
  • The Houthis have been battling Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for control of the country for over a decade.
  • The UN has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel, including those held since 2021 and 2023.
  • The Secretary-General has emphasized that the safety and security of UN personnel and property, as well as the inviolability of UN premises, must be guaranteed at all times.
  • The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has expressed concern over recent developments, including Israeli strikes against Houthi-controlled areas, and has urged all sides to use diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.
  • The Special Envoy has also called on all sides to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, in line with international law.
  • The UN will continue to work tirelessly to secure the release of the detained staff members and support the people of Yemen in their aspirations for a just and lasting peace.

Statistics:

  • As of October 2023, the Houthis have been targeting Israel as well as commercial ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinian cause in Gaza.
  • The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for over 10 years, with the Houthis battling Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition.
  • According to Houthi statements, several senior Houthi officials and political interlocutors have been killed and injured in recent Israeli attacks.

Sources:

  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres
  • UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg
  • United Nations (no date provided)

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