The situation in Yemen remains dire as de facto authorities, known as Ansar Allah or the Houthis, continue to hold several UN staffers incommunicado. These staffers have been detained since June, adding to the concerns raised by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) about the treatment of two other staff members who have been held for an extended period. The UN has been denied access to the detained individuals, and there are worries about their well-being and the conditions they are facing in detention.
The OHCHR spokesperson, Mr. Laurence, emphasized the need for the de facto authorities to respect the human rights of those detained and ensure that they can communicate with their families and legal representatives. He also called for an end to any further targeting of human rights and humanitarian workers in Yemen. The UN is calling on States and other influential parties to help secure the safe and prompt release of all detained staffers.
In addition to the recent detentions, four UN staff members have been held incommunicado by the de facto authorities since 2021 and 2023, further raising concerns about the safety and well-being of UN personnel in Yemen. These detentions have affected staff members from various UN agencies, including the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the OHCHR.
The 13 UN staffers who have been detained include individuals from the OHCHR, OSESGY, UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, and UNESCO. The UN has condemned the false allegations made against the detained staff members and urged the de facto authorities to release them promptly and ensure their safety and well-being.
The situation in Yemen has been volatile since 2015, with the Houthis fighting for control of the country against a coalition of pro-Government forces. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of assistance. The targeting of humanitarian workers and human rights defenders further exacerbates the situation and hinders efforts to provide aid to those in need.
The UN has been working tirelessly to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and provide assistance to those affected by the conflict. The detention of UN staff members impedes these efforts and puts the lives of humanitarian workers at risk. The UN is calling on all parties to respect international human rights law and ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers in Yemen.
The international community has a responsibility to support the UN’s efforts to address the crisis in Yemen and protect the rights of all individuals, including humanitarian workers. The detention of UN staff members is a violation of their rights and undermines the crucial work they do to provide assistance to those in need. It is imperative that the de facto authorities in Yemen release the detained staff members and allow them to continue their important work in the country.
The UN will continue to advocate for the release of the detained staff members and call on all parties to respect the rights and safety of humanitarian workers in Yemen. The international community must come together to address the crisis in Yemen and ensure that all individuals are able to access the assistance and protection they need. Only through cooperation and solidarity can we hope to bring an end to the suffering in Yemen and create a more stable and peaceful future for all its inhabitants.
