NEW YORK (KAAB TV) – UN agencies and international NGOs have condemned the escalating situation in Yemen, expressing deep concern over the arbitrary detention of humanitarian workers by the Houthi militia group in Yemen.
In a joint statement, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, alongside the heads of UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, OHCHR, and leading international NGOs Oxfam International, Save the Children International, and CARE International, expressed grave concern over the escalating situation.
“We are deeply troubled by the latest development, particularly as we had hoped for the release of our colleagues. The potential filing of ‘charges’ against them is unacceptable and only adds to the prolonged, incommunicado detention they have already suffered,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that the reported referral for “criminal prosecution” raises serious concerns about the safety and security of their staff and their families.
Six OHCHR staff members—one woman and five men—were arbitrarily arrested by the de facto authorities in June, along with seven other UN personnel. In addition, two OHCHR staff and two colleagues from other UN agencies have been held “incommunicado” since 2021 and 2023 respectively.
Dozens of staff from international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions have also been arbitrarily detained.
The group warned that such actions would severely undermine their ability to deliver critical humanitarian aid to the millions of Yemenis in need.
“The targeting of humanitarian workers in Yemen—including arbitrary detention, intimidation, mistreatment, and false accusations—must cease immediately, and all those detained must be released,” they urged.
The statement added that the UN, INGOs, and partners are working through “all available channels” and with multiple governments to secure the swift release of those detained.
Yemen remains one of the most challenging humanitarian crises globally, with years of conflict leaving over half the population in need of international assistance and protection.
Approximately 17.6 million people face severe hunger, including 2.4 million children under five and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women suffering from acute malnutrition. Outbreaks of diseases like cholera, compounded by deteriorating health, water, and sanitation services, alongside recurring disasters, have further worsened the crisis.