THE United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a forceful demand for the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff members who have been detained in Yemen, some for as long as three years. The call comes as the situation for humanitarian workers in the country grows increasingly precarious.
According to UN Human Rights Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, a total of 17 UN personnel are currently being held by the Ansar Allah de facto authorities, also known as the Houthis. The detainees include staff from various UN agencies, with six UN Human Rights staff members – two women and four men – arrested on June 6th along with seven other UN personnel.
“This Friday marks three months since six of our colleagues in Yemen were arrested,” Shamdasani stated, highlighting the prolonged nature of the detentions. She also noted that four additional UN staff members, including two from the Human Rights office, have been in custody since 2021 and 2023.
The High Commissioner’s demand extends beyond just UN staff, calling for “the release of all human rights and humanitarian workers similarly arrested and detained without legal protections.” This underscores the broader issue of safety and freedom of operation for aid workers in Yemen.
In addition to demanding the release of detained personnel, the UN has urged the de facto authorities in Sana’a to “facilitate rather than hinder UN entities and other human rights and humanitarian actors in their efforts to serve the people of Yemen.” This plea emphasizes the critical role that these organizations play in promoting and protecting human rights in the conflict-torn country.
The detention of UN staff and other aid workers not only violates international norms but also impedes crucial humanitarian efforts in Yemen, a country grappling with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. As the international community watches, pressure mounts on the Ansar Allah authorities to address these concerns and ensure the safety and freedom of those working to alleviate suffering in Yemen.
