UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detentions of UN personnel and its partners, as well as the ongoing unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas under Houthi control, a UN spokesperson said.
The condemnation came after the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen detained nine additional UN personnel recently.
With the latest detentions, the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen since 2021 has risen to 53, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, said in a statement.
Noting that these actions hinder the United Nations' ability to operate in Yemen and to deliver critical assistance, the statement said the secretary-general remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of UN personnel in Yemen.
Guterres reiterated his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and diplomatic missions, the statement said.