NewYork -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel by Houthi authorities in Yemen, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

Speaking to reporters after a closed-door Security Council consultation on Yemen, Guterres said: “I strongly condemn the ongoing arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partners, as well as individuals from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions. I call for their immediate and unconditional release in line with international law.”

The Secretary-General revealed that in recent days, the de facto Houthi authorities referred three UN staff members to a special criminal court. He stressed that such referrals must be revoked, noting that the charges brought against them were directly related to their official duties within the United Nations. “These accusations must be dropped,” he added.

Guterres underscored the injustice of the situation, stating: “The continued detention of our colleagues represents a profound injustice against those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen.”

The UN has repeatedly urged the Houthis to end the detentions, warning that such actions undermine humanitarian operations and violate international norms.