António Guterres calls for the release of UN staff held hostage in Yemen

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the arbitrary detention of at least 11 UN staff in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on 31 August. He also condemned the forced entry of World Food Programme buildings, the seizure of UN property and attempts to enter other UN facilities in Sana’a.

In his statement, the Secretary-General reiterated his call, along with all other UN staff, international and national non-governmental organisations, civil society and diplomatic missions, for the immediate and unconditional release of the staff held hostage since June 2024. He stressed that the continued detention of UN and partner staff is unacceptable and that they should under no circumstances be harassed, arrested or taken hostage while carrying out their duties. Guterres stressed the need to ensure the security of the organisation’s staff and property. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, for his part, strongly condemned the new wave of arbitrary arrests of UN staff in Sanaa and Hodeida, as well as the Houthi incursions into UN buildings and seizure of UN property. According to him, at least 11 UN staff have been taken hostage, including 23 others already in detention, some of whom have been detained since 2021 and 2023, as well as since the beginning of this year. One staff member has been killed. He noted that despite constant contacts and assurances given over the past year, arbitrary arrests of UN staff, NGO workers and civil society representatives continue, seriously hampering the delivery of humanitarian assistance and broader peace efforts in Yemen. Grundberg reiterated his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN staff, as well as staff of national and international NGOs, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. He expressed solidarity with his detained colleagues and their families, saying their release was a priority for him and the entire UN system.