UN Security Council Urges Houthis to Free Detained Humanitarian Staff in Yemen

The UN Security Council on Friday strongly condemned the continued detention of dozens of humanitarian workers, UN staff and civil society representatives by Yemen’s Houthi movement, renewing calls for their immediate and unconditional release as the second anniversary of the mass arrests approaches.

In a statement, the 15-member council expressed deep concern over the fate and wellbeing of those being held, including 73 UN personnel detained in multiple waves of arrests over the past four years.

“All threats to those delivering humanitarian assistance are unacceptable,” the Council said, warning that the detentions are aggravating Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 22.3 million people in need of aid.

The Houthis launched a major crackdown on May 31, 2024, carrying out raids and arrests targeting employees of UN agencies, international and local NGOs, civil society groups and diplomatic missions in territories under their control. Additional detentions in January and August 2025 further increased the number of people held, many reportedly without charge, legal representation or contact with their families.

The Security Council reiterated that all parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian law, including ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access and guaranteeing the security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel.

Council members also warned that Yemen’s humanitarian and political crises will continue to deepen without a negotiated settlement. They reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while backing the efforts of Hans Grundberg to advance an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process aimed at ending the conflict.