The United Nations Security Council renewed its demand for the Houthis to release detained UN personnel, NGO workers and diplomatic staff in Yemen.
The council issued the statement as the second year of the June 2024 mass detentions approached.
Security Council members condemned the detentions “in the strongest terms.” They said the detainees include personnel from the United Nations system, non-governmental organisations, civil society groups and diplomatic missions. The council expressed concern for people detained in several waves of arrests dating back to 2021.
It demanded the “unconditional, safe and immediate release” of all detainees, including 73 United Nations personnel.
Council members said threats against humanitarian workers are unacceptable. They said such threats worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.
The statement said that all parties to the conflict must allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access under international humanitarian law. It also said all sides must protect the safety and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel.
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The council warned that Yemen’s crisis would continue to worsen without a political settlement. It said more than 22.3 million Yemenis need assistance.
Security Council members reaffirmed support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and his efforts to secure a negotiated, inclusive and Yemeni-led settlement.
