NewKerala.com

Key Points

Antonio Guterres has called for the Houthis to release detained UN staff. With 23 personnel still held, Guterres emphasizes the detrimental effect on humanitarian and peace missions in Yemen. He particularly stresses Eid Al-Adha's importance as a time for compassion. Highlighting the death of a World Food Programme member in custody, Guterres insists on transparent investigations and accountability.

Key Points: Antonio Guterres Demands Houthi Release of UN Staff in Yemen

  • Guterres urges release of UN staff detained by Houthis
  • Detentions impact UN's humanitarian and peace efforts in Yemen
  • Eid Al-Adha highlighted for compassion towards families
  • 23 UN personnel remain detained, Guterres demands full investigation
2 min read

Antonio Guterres calls for release of UN staff detained by Yemen's Houthis

Guterres urges Houthis to free detained UN staff, highlighting impact on peace efforts.

Antonio Guterres calls for release of UN staff detained by Yemen's Houthis
"The continued arbitrary detention...is a profound injustice. - Antonio Guterres"

United Nations, June 3

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff detained by the Houthis in Yemen.

"This June marks one year since the arbitrary detention of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organisations, and diplomatic missions by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen," he said in a statement on Monday.

"I renew my call for their immediate and unconditional release, including those held since 2021 and 2023, and most recently this January."

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners should never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their mandates for the benefit of the people they serve, said Guterres.

"The continued arbitrary detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice against those who dedicate their lives to providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen. It has placed additional constraints on our ability to operate effectively and undermined mediation efforts to secure a path toward peace."

He highlighted the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, saying the Muslim holiday is a time to show compassion and end the ordeal of families who face celebrating yet another holiday without their loved ones, Xinhua news agency reported.

The United Nations will continue to work through all possible channels to secure their release, he said, calling on UN member states to continue expressing their solidarity with those detained and intensify advocacy towards their release.

Guterres reiterated his strongest condemnation of the death in detention of a World Food Programme staff member earlier this year. Saying that the Houthis have yet to provide an explanation for this tragedy, he renewed his call for an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation and accountability.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, said Monday that 23 UN personnel remain detained by the Houthis.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is absolutely unacceptable behavior by the Houthis. UN workers are there to help civilians suffering from conflict. Detaining them just shows how little they care about Yemeni people's welfare. Guterres is right to demand their release.
P
Priya M.
Very disturbing news 😔 During Eid especially, such actions go against the spirit of compassion. India should join other nations in condemning this strongly. Our UN peacekeepers have always served with dignity - we know the value of their work.
A
Arjun S.
The death of WFP staff member in custody is extremely concerning. Where is the accountability? If this happened to Indian UN workers, our government should take strong diplomatic action. Humanitarian workers must be protected.
N
Neha P.
While I support UN's call for release, we must also ask why the UN continues operations in areas where their staff aren't safe. Maybe time to reconsider engagement strategies with non-state actors like Houthis who don't respect international norms.
S
Sanjay V.
Yemen conflict has gone on too long. India has historical ties with Yemen - we used to have many Indian workers there before the war. Hope our diplomats can play some role in mediation. The humanitarian crisis there is heartbreaking.
M
Meena R.
The UN needs stronger mechanisms to protect its staff. Just statements aren't enough when people are dying in custody. Maybe economic sanctions or other pressure tactics are needed against groups that violate humanitarian laws like this.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50