Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres on Monday denounced the arbitrary detention of nine more United Nations workers in Yemen by Houthi rebels, along with the seizure of assets and facilities of UN premises and assets in areas under the rebels control.
In Statement attributed to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric , he said “The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of United Nations personnel in Yemen” adding that the recent action by the rebels brings the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff to 53 since 2021.
The Secretary-General reiterates his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. They must be respected and protected in accordance with applicable international law.
The Secretary-General also reiterates that United Nations personnel must be allowed to independently perform their functions without hindrance. The premises and assets of the United Nations are inviolable and must be protected at all times, consistent with the Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
According to the spokesperson’s statement “The United Nations will continue to work tirelessly, and through all available channels, to secure the safe and immediate release of all arbitrarily detained personnel, as well as the return of UN agency offices and other assets. The Secretary-General remains steadfast in the UN commitment to support the people of Yemen and their aspirations for a just and lasting peace.