By U.S. Department of State from United States
New York / Sanaa — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of 10 additional United Nations personnel by Yemen’s Houthi authorities, an action that significantly complicates humanitarian operations in the conflict-torn country. With these latest detentions, the total number of UN staff held by the Houthis rises to 69 individuals, underscoring a growing humanitarian and diplomatic crisis.
The detainees were reportedly taken into custody on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the arrests and described the actions as a “serious violation of international law” and the principles of UN operations in conflict zones.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 19, Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN staff, emphasizing that such detentions undermine the ability of the UN to provide essential services and humanitarian aid to millions of Yemenis living in extreme hardship.
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
The United Nations has highlighted that the detention of personnel directly hinders the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance, including food, water, medical aid, and emergency relief supplies. Yemen, facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, relies heavily on UN agencies such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and WHO to meet the basic needs of millions of civilians in both Houthi-controlled and government-controlled areas.
Guterres warned that continued detentions could further jeopardize UN operations, disrupt aid distribution, and potentially leave millions of vulnerable Yemenis without essential services.
Background of the Houthi Detentions
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group controlling much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have a history of detaining UN and international humanitarian personnel. The group has repeatedly accused UN staff of espionage and collaborating with foreign governments, including the United States and Israel, allegations which the UN has categorically rejected.
Those detained face the possibility of being tried under Houthi-controlled courts, where charges can carry severe penalties, including the death sentence. Legal experts and UN officials have raised concerns that detainees are often denied legal representation, family contact, and fair trial rights, further violating international humanitarian and human rights norms.
Pattern of Detentions and International Concerns
The detention of foreign humanitarian workers and UN staff is not new in Yemen. Since 2021, multiple UN personnel have been detained for extended periods under similar circumstances. The UN has repeatedly expressed concern that these detentions are used as leverage in political negotiations and can severely impact neutral humanitarian operations.
Guterres stressed that international law provides UN personnel with specific privileges and immunities, which are essential to allow the organization to operate effectively in conflict zones. Violations of these rights not only put staff at risk but also threaten global humanitarian norms.
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
Following the latest detentions, UN officials and international partners have urged the Houthi authorities to release all detained staff immediately. Diplomats argue that continued incarceration of aid workers undermines confidence in humanitarian missions and could create a dangerous precedent for the treatment of personnel in conflict areas worldwide.
Regional intermediaries, including Oman, have been called upon to facilitate dialogue and mediate the release of detainees. Meanwhile, Guterres and other UN leaders continue to engage with member states and local authorities to ensure that humanitarian assistance can continue safely and without interference.
Yemen’s Humanitarian Context
The country has been in a state of civil war since 2014, resulting in widespread displacement, food insecurity, and health crises. The UN reports that millions of Yemenis are at risk of famine, and access to medical care, clean water, and sanitation is severely limited. The detention of UN personnel by the Houthis compounds these challenges and restricts the delivery of vital aid in one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian emergencies.
Secretary-General’s Appeal
Guterres reiterated that the UN remains committed to principled humanitarian action, insisting that aid workers must be able to operate without fear of arbitrary detention or intimidation. He called upon the Houthi leadership to respect international law, UN privileges, and humanitarian principles, emphasizing that the safe release of all detained personnel is critical to saving lives and maintaining the credibility of international aid efforts in Yemen.
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