New York (South24 Center)

Members of the United Nations Security Council have strongly condemned the Houthi group's detention of at least 21 UN staff members following their August 31 forced entry into World Food Programme and UNICEF facilities, and seizure of UN property, in clear violation of international law.

In a press statement issued Friday, September 12, the Council emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel and preserving the inviolability of UN premises at all times. It stressed that the continued detention of UN staff, local and international NGO workers, and diplomatic mission personnel by the Houthis is unacceptable.

The statement expressed grave concern regarding the fate of personnel detained since 2021, 2023, and 2024, in addition to those taken captive on August 31. Council members demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.

The UNSC warned that these violations exacerbate Yemen's already dire humanitarian situation, where food insecurity rates continue to rise. It affirmed that the obstruction of relief workers threatens to impede humanitarian access for millions of Yemeni civilians.

Members reiterated their call for the Houthis to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access, while urging the provision of a secure working environment for UN staff.

The Council welcomed continued UN efforts through all channels to secure the release of detainees, reaffirming support for Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg and his pursuit of a comprehensive political settlement led and owned by Yemenis, consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Houthis have conducted repeated detention campaigns against UN staff and international humanitarian organizations in recent years, with numerous personnel kidnapped since 2021, 2023, and 2024. Reports indicate some detainees have died due to medical neglect and mistreatment.

The group has also raided humanitarian organization premises in Sana'a and Saada, confiscating property and communication equipment, prompting several agencies to suspend operations in Houthi-controlled territories.