UN Security Council Demands Houthis Release Detained Staff

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: AFP

The United Nations Security Council has asked the Houthis in Yemen to immediately and without any conditions release all people they have held. These people include workers from the United Nations, non-government groups, civil society organizations, and diplomatic teams.

On Thursday, the Security Council said that threatening anyone who is helping with humanitarian aid is not acceptable. They reminded the Houthis to follow international rules and let aid workers do their jobs safely and quickly. This will help get help to the civilians who need it most.

The Security Council also welcomed the United Nations’ ongoing efforts to get the detained people released safely and as soon as possible.

They understand that the Eid Al-Adha holiday will be very hard for those who are still detained, their families, and others who live in fear of being detained too.

This week marks one year since the Houthis started detaining many workers. According to the United Nations, 23 UN staff and five workers from international organizations are still held. Sadly, one UN staff member and another person from Save the Children have died while in detention.

Recently, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and leaders of UN programs have asked again for these people to be released.

On June 3, Guterres said it has been a year since the Houthis arrested many people from the UN, NGOs, civil society groups, and diplomatic teams. He called again for their immediate and unconditional release, including those detained since 2021, 2023, and this January.

Guterres said the UN and those helping with humanitarian work should never be arrested or stopped while trying to help people. They must be allowed to work freely for the good of those in need.