UN Secretary-General Demands Urgent Release of Humanitarian Workers Held by Houthis

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UN Secretary-General Demands Urgent Release of Humanitarian Workers Held by Houthis

United Nations, Dec 7 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for the prompt and unconditional release of humanitarian workers held captive by the Houthis in Yemen.

Over the last six months, more than 50 humanitarian personnel from the United Nations, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and diplomatic missions have been detained, along with four additional UN personnel who have been held since 2021 and 2023, according to a report by Xinhua news agency citing Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief.

The Secretary-General acknowledged the recent liberation of one UN staff member and two NGO personnel; however, he emphasized that the ongoing arbitrary detention of numerous others is unacceptable and violates international law, as stated in the release.

"These detentions jeopardize the safety of humanitarian workers and severely hinder efforts to aid millions in need. Such actions are contrary to genuine participation in peace initiatives," the statement continued.

The United Nations, NGOs, and other pertinent international stakeholders are utilizing all available means to ensure the immediate release of those unlawfully detained, as per the statement.