UN Halts Staff Movement in Houthi-Controlled Yemen Amid Detentions
Seven UN employees detained by Houthi rebels, prompting suspension of official movements in Yemen's Houthi-held areas.
The United Nations has suspended the movement of its personnel in areas controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen, following the detention of seven UN staff members by the Iran-backed group.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has demanded the 'immediate and unconditional' release of all aid staff currently held in Yemen, a country experiencing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
Guterres, in a statement released on Friday, emphasized that the 'continued arbitrary detention is unacceptable' and stated that the UN was actively working to secure their release.
The issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by international organizations operating in the region.
The Houthis, who seized Yemen's capital Sana’a in 2014 and control large segments of the country, have detained numerous staff from the UN and other humanitarian organizations.
Most detentions have occurred since mid-last year.
In response, the UN has suspended 'all official movements into and within' the territories held by the Houthis, as stated by the office of the resident UN coordinator for Yemen.
These latest detentions occur against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including the recent decision by the United States, under former President Donald Trump, to place the Houthis back on the list of foreign terrorist organizations.
This designation necessitates a review of UN agencies and other NGOs in Yemen that benefit from US funding.
The Houthis have yet to comment on the latest developments.
In a series of incidents earlier this year, the group detained various UN and NGO staff members, including 13 personnel from the UN and more than 50 NGO employees.
Additionally, they previously forced entry into the UNHCR office, eventually returning appropriated property.
Guterres expressed concern that these actions hinder the UN's capacity to provide critical assistance to millions of Yemenis in need.
The continued targeting of UN personnel and their partners is seen as a significant impediment to humanitarian efforts in the region.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has demanded the 'immediate and unconditional' release of all aid staff currently held in Yemen, a country experiencing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
Guterres, in a statement released on Friday, emphasized that the 'continued arbitrary detention is unacceptable' and stated that the UN was actively working to secure their release.
The issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by international organizations operating in the region.
The Houthis, who seized Yemen's capital Sana’a in 2014 and control large segments of the country, have detained numerous staff from the UN and other humanitarian organizations.
Most detentions have occurred since mid-last year.
In response, the UN has suspended 'all official movements into and within' the territories held by the Houthis, as stated by the office of the resident UN coordinator for Yemen.
These latest detentions occur against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including the recent decision by the United States, under former President Donald Trump, to place the Houthis back on the list of foreign terrorist organizations.
This designation necessitates a review of UN agencies and other NGOs in Yemen that benefit from US funding.
The Houthis have yet to comment on the latest developments.
In a series of incidents earlier this year, the group detained various UN and NGO staff members, including 13 personnel from the UN and more than 50 NGO employees.
Additionally, they previously forced entry into the UNHCR office, eventually returning appropriated property.
Guterres expressed concern that these actions hinder the UN's capacity to provide critical assistance to millions of Yemenis in need.
The continued targeting of UN personnel and their partners is seen as a significant impediment to humanitarian efforts in the region.