UN Security Council condemns continued Houthi detention of UN workers

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN Security Council on Friday condemned the ongoing detention of UN personnel and aid workers by Yemen's Houthi group, calling for their immediate release.

"The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the detentions since 31 August of at least 21 United Nations personnel by the Houthis, as well as the forced entry into premises of the World Food Programme and UNICEF, and the seizure of UN property, in violation of international law," said a council statement, stressing the need to ensure "the safety and security of UN personnel and property as well as the inviolability of UN premises."

"Council members condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing detentions by the Houthis of personnel from the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and diplomatic missions," it added.

They also "expressed deep concern for the welfare of those personnel detained since 2021, 2023 and 2024, as well as those detained since 31 August 2025."

Demanding "immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis," the council stressed that "all threats to those delivering humanitarian aid and assistance are unacceptable."

The council further expressed "grave concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen" and stressed that "unimpeded humanitarian access is essential."

Reaffirming their support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, the council members said they remain committed to a "negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement" and to Yemen's "unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."