Sana’a – The United Nations has strongly condemned the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen for the arbitrary detention of at least 40 UN personnel and humanitarian workers operating in Houthi-controlled areas. 

The detentions, which began in mid-2024 and escalated in recent weeks, have sparked international outrage and raised concerns over the safety of aid workers and the future of humanitarian operations in the war-torn country.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement demanding the “immediate and unconditional release” of all detained staff, emphasizing that targeting humanitarian personnel violates international humanitarian law and undermines efforts to assist millions of Yemenis in need.

According to Human Rights Watch, the arrests followed Israeli military operations in Sana’a that killed senior Houthi figures, prompting the Houthis to intensify their crackdown on civil society and aid organizations. Many of the detained individuals, including staff from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, have been held without charge, legal representation, or access to their families.

“These detentions are not only disastrous for those held and their loved ones, but also for the broader Yemeni population that relies on UN aid for survival,” said a Human Rights Watch spokesperson.

The UN has reported that Houthi forces have also raided humanitarian offices, including World Food Programme facilities, further disrupting relief efforts. The detentions come amid a broader Houthi-led media campaign accusing aid workers of espionage and conspiracy against national interests.

International human rights organizations and diplomatic missions have joined the UN in calling for accountability and the restoration of safe working conditions for humanitarian personnel in Yemen.