NEW YORK / Content Syndication Services / – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of 73 United Nations personnel held by the Houthis in Yemen. The demand came as the United Nations marked two years since a June 2024 wave of detentions. Guterres also condemned earlier and later detentions of personnel in 2021, 2023 and 2025.
The detained personnel include United Nations staff, aid workers, civil society members and people linked to diplomatic missions. The United Nations said one colleague has died in detention. It also said some detainees have no contact with families or colleagues. The organization said the detentions violate international law and deepen the hardship faced by relatives.
The case has become a major issue for Yemen aid operations. The United Nations said the detentions have severely constrained humanitarian and development work across the country. Millions of Yemenis rely on aid after years of conflict, economic pressure and weak public services. Aid groups need safe access to communities, staff and offices to keep operations running.
Detentions deepen pressure on aid work
Guterres said humanitarian workers should never face detention for doing their jobs. He also stressed that United Nations personnel, including Yemeni nationals, have immunity from legal process for acts performed in their official roles. The statement placed the demand for release within wider calls for safe humanitarian work in Yemen and respect for international obligations.
The Security Council has also called for the unconditional, safe and immediate release of the detainees. Council members expressed concern for personnel held since 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. They said threats to humanitarian workers worsen Yemen’s humanitarian situation. They also urged all parties to allow full, safe and unhindered aid access to civilians in need.
Yemen crisis keeps aid access in focus
The United Nations says 73 of its personnel remain in Houthi custody, alongside staff from non-governmental organizations and civil society groups. Human rights organizations have also called for the release of detained humanitarian and civic workers. They reported that the June 2024 detentions followed raids in Houthi-controlled areas and affected Yemeni nationals working with international and local groups.
Guterres said the United Nations will pursue all possible channels to secure the safe release of those detained. He also reaffirmed support for the people of Yemen and for efforts toward a just and lasting peace. The immediate focus remains the release of the 73 detained personnel and the restoration of safe conditions for humanitarian and development work.