United Nations, Oct 7 (NationPress) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a strong condemnation regarding the ongoing arbitrary detentions of UN personnel and their partners, along with the unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas controlled by the Houthis, according to a UN spokesperson.

This condemnation follows the recent detention of nine additional UN personnel by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen.

With these latest arrests, the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen since 2021 has escalated to 53, as stated by Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief.

The statement emphasized that such actions obstruct the United Nations' efforts to operate in Yemen and deliver essential assistance, raising concerns about the safety and security of UN personnel in the country.

Guterres has reiterated his urgent demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel associated with the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions. The statement highlighted that these individuals must be respected and protected in accordance with the applicable international law.

Furthermore, the UN chief stressed that UN personnel should be allowed to execute their duties independently and without interference, asserting that the premises and assets of the United Nations are inviolable and should be safeguarded consistently with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, as reported by Xinhua.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that the United Nations will persist in its efforts, utilizing all available avenues, to ensure the safe and immediate release of all arbitrarily detained personnel, alongside the return of UN agency offices and other assets.

The secretary-general remains committed to supporting the people of Yemen and their aspirations for a just and lasting peace.

Earlier, on September 12, the UN Security Council condemned the detention of additional UN personnel by the Houthis in Yemen.

In a press statement, council members expressed their strong condemnation of the detention of at least 21 UN personnel since August 31, along with the forced entry into the premises of the World Food Programme and the UN Children's Fund, as well as the seizure of UN property.

They underscored the necessity of guaranteeing the safety and security of UN personnel and property, along with the inviolability of UN premises at all times.

The council members demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis, reiterating that threats to those delivering humanitarian aid and assistance are entirely unacceptable.