In a joint statement released by the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Yemen, along with the heads of UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, OHCHR, and the heads of the INGOs OXFAM International, Save the Children International, and CARE International, deep concern was expressed over the situation in Yemen. The statement addressed the distressing reports of potential charges being laid against UN staff members and the lengthy incommunicado detention they have endured.
The group stressed that the reported referral to criminal prosecution raised serious concerns about the safety and security of their staff and their families. Six OHCHR staff members, one woman, and five men, were arbitrarily arrested by the de facto authorities in June, along with seven other UN personnel. Additionally, two OHCHR staffers and two colleagues from other UN agencies have been held incommunicado since 2021 and 2023, respectively. The situation is dire, with dozens of staff from international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions also being arbitrarily detained.
The targeting of aid workers in Yemen was condemned, as it hinders the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to millions of Yemenis in need. The statement emphasized the need for the immediate release of all detained individuals and called for an end to the mistreatment, intimidation, and false allegations against humanitarian workers.
Efforts are being made through various channels and with multiple governments to secure the swift release of those detained. The United Nations, INGOs, and partners are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff members who have been unjustly detained.
Yemen remains one of the most challenging humanitarian crises in the world. Years of conflict have left over half of the population in need of international assistance and protection. Approximately 17.6 million people are facing severe hunger, including 2.4 million children under the age of five and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women who are acutely malnourished.
The crisis is further exacerbated by outbreaks of deadly diseases such as cholera, deteriorating health, water, and sanitation services, and frequent disasters. The situation in Yemen is critical, and urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian needs of the population and ensure the safety and security of aid workers on the ground.
The international community must come together to support the people of Yemen and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The targeting of humanitarian workers must cease, and those detained must be released immediately to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid to those in need. The voices of those affected must be heard, and their rights must be upheld as we strive for a better future for the people of Yemen.
