View of the capital of Yemen, Sanaa. Houthis free UN staff at the organization’s compound in Sanaa International Law
All 15 UN international staff can now move freely around the UN compound in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, and maintain contact with UN agencies and their families. Five local staff detained since October 18 at the same UN compound have been released.
This was announced on Monday by representatives of the UN country team in Yemen.
“Ansar Allah security personnel have left the UN compound in Sanaa,” the statement said. message.
The Houthis have repeatedly infiltrated the Organization’s offices in Yemen in recent years, detaining its staff and confiscating property. As of early October, the total number of detained UN personnel was in the dozens. Some of them remain in custody as of 2021. A number of Organization employees were released.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement expressing concern about public accusations by the Houthis against UN personnel in Yemen. He categorically denied all allegations, which he said “threaten the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian workers and undermine life-saving operations.”
He reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations to protect humanitarian operations and personnel at all times in accordance with international
“The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions who continue to be arbitrarily detained by the de facto Houthi authorities,” said the statement issued on behalf of the UN chief by his spokesman.
Guterres also recalled that, in accordance with their obligations under international law, the Houthis must leave UN premises and return seized assets and equipment.