Reports confirm that Houthi rebels in Yemen have detained 11 United Nations international staff members. U.N. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed concern and stated that efforts are being made to clarify the situation and ensure immediate access to the detainees.
Among those detained are two women and nine men, with six working for the UN Human Rights Office and the rest affiliated with various U.N. agencies. The U.N. is actively seeking the safe and unconditional release of all individuals.
Additionally, a Yemeni nonprofit reported that 18 people were detained in armed raids across four regions. The Mayyun Organization for Human Rights condemned these actions as oppressive and extortionate.
The detained individuals include employees from different U.N. agencies and the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to Yemen. CARE International also confirmed the detention of one of its employees.
Human Rights Watch demanded the immediate release of all detainees and urged the Houthis to stop arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances. The organization highlighted the impact of such actions on humanitarian and human rights work in Yemen.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement has been involved in recent attacks in the Red Sea, linked to military actions in Gaza.
