United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday demanded Iran-backed Yemen’s Houthis release dozens of aid workers, including UN staff members. This demand comes one year after the rebels arrested these individuals, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The Iran-backed Houthis control much of war-torn Yemen and detained 13 UN personnel along with over 50 aid group employees last June. Guterres emphasized the need for their immediate and unconditional release in a statement issued by his special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg.
Protection for Humanitarian Workers
“The UN and its humanitarian partners should never face targeting, arrest, or detention while serving the people,” Guterres stated. His remarks underscore the critical role humanitarian workers play in alleviating suffering in conflict zones.
A decade of civil war has plunged Yemen into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more than half of Yemen’s population relies on aid for survival, making the situation increasingly dire.
Impact of the Arrests
The arrests prompted the United Nations to limit its deployments and suspend activities in some regions of Yemen. The Houthis claimed an “American-Israeli spy cell” operated under the guise of aid groups, an accusation firmly rejected by the UN.
Guterres also expressed sorrow over the “deplorable tragedy” of a World Food Programme staff member’s death in detention this past February. The Houthis have kidnapped, arbitrarily detained, and tortured hundreds of civilians, including aid workers, during their conflict against a Saudi-led coalition.
The UN continues to advocate for the safety and release of detained aid workers in Yemen. The international community must support these efforts to ensure humanitarian access and protect those who serve vulnerable populations.
