Last Friday, local authorities reported that 11 United Nations agency employees were arrested by Houthi rebels in Yemen under unclear circumstances.
He UN spokesperson in New York, Stéphane Dujarric, confirmed the news and the figure. Initially it was thought that there were nine UN workers.
Dujarric expressed his concern about these events and stated that they are actively seeking clarification from the Houthi authorities regarding the circumstances of these arrests.
Additionally, they are working to ensure immediate access to United Nations personnel. “We are following all available channels to secure his safe and unconditional release as quickly as possible,” he said.
Identity of arrested employees
Of the 11 employees arrested, nine are men and two are women. Six of them work for the United Nations agency for human rightswhile the others are employed as Special delivery in UNICEFhe World Food Program and the UNESCO.
Condemnation and call for release
The Mayyun organization strongly condemned this dangerous escalation in Yemen, considering it a violation of the privileges and immunities granted to employees of the United Nations by international law. They described it as a oppressive, totalitarian and blackmailing practice to obtain political and economic benefits.
Save the Children also expressed concern for one of its staff members in Yemen and is doing everything possible to ensure his safety and well-being.
CARE International He reported that one of his collaborators was detained for no apparent reason. They are working to obtain more information and have extended their support to the family, sharing hope for a quick release.
Call for liberation
Activists, lawyers and others have started a open letter onlineurging the Houthis to immediately release detained persons. If they do not do so, they will contribute to the country’s isolation from the rest of the world.
Human Rights Watchciting relatives of those detained, stated that Houthi authorities have not revealed the location of those detained or allowed them to communicate with their employers or families.
“Human Rights Watch researcher Niku Jafarnia urged the Houthis to immediately release all employees of the United Nations and workers from other independent groups detained due to their humanitarian and human rights work. He also called for an end to arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances.”
