By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS UN chief António Guterres on Friday has renewed his call for the immediate and unconditional release of humanitarian personnel who have been detained in Yemen for six months, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in New York.
Houthi rebels are holding more than 50 staff from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions, in addition to four other UN personnel detained in 2021 and 2023.
Mr. Dujarric said the Secretary-General acknowledged the recent release of one of the Organization’s staff members and two NGO workers, but recalled that the continued arbitrary detention of dozens of others is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of international law.
“These detentions threaten the safety of humanitarian personnel and significantly impair efforts to assist millions of people in need. These actions are inconsistent with genuine engagement in peace efforts,” he said.
UN, NGOs and other international partners are working through all possible channels and authorities to secure the immediate release of the detained personnel, he added.
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