BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. The UN Security Council on Friday condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing detentions by the Houthis of UN personnel and the seizure of the organization’s property, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, TurkicWorld reports citing AsharqAL-Awsat.
“Council members strongly condemned the detentions since 31 August of at least 21 UN personnel by the Houthis, as well as the forced entry into premises of the World Food Program and UNICEF, and the seizure of UN property, in violation of international law,” the 15-member body said in a press statement.
Council members stressed that the safety and security of UN personnel and property as well as the inviolability of UN premises must be guaranteed at all times.
They also expressed deep concern for the welfare of those personnel detained since 2021, 2023 and 2024, as well as those detained since 31 August 2025.
They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis and reiterated that all threats to those delivering humanitarian aid and assistance are unacceptable.
Council members expressed their grave concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen and stressed that unimpeded humanitarian access is essential.
They noted alarmingly high levels of food insecurity amongst the Yemeni population, and expressed their concern that detentions of aid workers risk exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Therefore, council members reiterated their demand that the Houthis ensure respect of international humanitarian law with regard to the safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure assistance can reach civilians in need.
They stressed that the safety of UN personnel remains of upmost importance and called on the Houthis to enable a safe and secure operating environment and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance in areas under their control.
To this end, they reiterated their support to the UN in maintaining measures to optimize staff safety and security in light of the current security context.
Council members also welcomed the continued work of the UN through all possible channels to secure the safe and immediate release of those detained and reaffirmed their strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and its commitment to stand by the people of Yemen.
They reiterated their support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg in his efforts towards a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement based on the agreed references and consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.
