Detention of United Nations and Non-Governmental Organization Staff in Yemen The conflict in Yemen has had a devastating impact on humanitarian workers, with the detention of United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff becoming a major concern. Causes of Detention The reasons for the detention of UN and NGO staff in Yemen vary, but primarily stem from the complex and volatile security situation. Accusations of espionage, affiliation with armed groups, or violating government regulations have been commonly cited. Impacts on Humanitarian Assistance The detention of humanitarian staff has significantly hindered the delivery of assistance to those in need. The absence of key personnel has hampered operations, disrupted programs, and created fear among remaining staff. It has also damaged the trust between humanitarian actors and local authorities. Documented Cases * January 2019: Seven UN aid workers were detained by Houthi forces in Sana’a for violating travel regulations. * March 2019: Two Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff were detained by pro-government forces in Taiz for alleged link to the Houthi rebels. * February 2020: Four Oxfam staff were detained by Houthi authorities in Sana’a for unknown reasons. International Response The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly condemned the detention of their staff in Yemen. The Security Council has passed resolutions demanding the release of all detained personnel. The International Committee of the Red Cross has also called for the immediate and unconditional release of humanitarian workers. Challenges and Recommendations * Ensuring Security: While recognizing the security challenges in Yemen, governments and armed groups must prioritize the safety and protection of humanitarian staff. * Clear and Transparent Investigations: Investigations into allegations against humanitarian workers should be thorough, fair, and independent. * Strengthening Coordination: Humanitarian organizations and governments should enhance coordination to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the safety of their personnel. * Support and Advocacy: The international community must continue to advocate for the release of detained humanitarian workers and hold perpetrators accountable. The detention of UN and NGO staff in Yemen is a serious violation of international law and humanitarian principles. The release of all detained personnel and the protection of humanitarian workers are essential for ensuring the continued delivery of vital assistance to those affected by the conflict.Call for Immediate Release of Detained Humanitarian Personnel in YemenCall for Immediate Release of Detained Humanitarian Personnel in Yemen Global leaders from United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have united in an urgent appeal for the unconditional release of all humanitarian personnel currently held by Houthi authorities in Yemen. Unprecedented Detentions The de facto Houthi authorities have detained 17 members of UN entities and international NGOs, along with numerous individuals affiliated with civil society organizations and other humanitarian groups. These detentions, unprecedented in both Yemen and worldwide, severely hinder the ability of humanitarian responders to assist the most vulnerable in Yemen. Humanitarian Crisis Yemen is facing an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with 18.2 million people in desperate need of aid. The detentions of these essential personnel come at a critical time, jeopardizing the lives of millions. Legal Obligations International law prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of liberty. International humanitarian law requires all parties in armed conflict to protect humanitarian personnel from harassment, ill-treatment, and unlawful detention. Condemnation and Demands The signatories condemn the attacks on humanitarian workers and demand the immediate release of all those detained. They request the Houthi authorities to provide information on the whereabouts and conditions of the detainees and grant immediate access to them. Signatories The appeal is signed by: * Achim Steiner, Administrator, UNDP * Amitabh Behar, Executive Director (Acting), Oxfam International * Audrey Azoulay, Director General, UNESCO * Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF * Cindy McCain, Executive Director, WFP * Inger Ashing, Executive Director, Save the Children International * Michelle Nunn, President and CEO, CARE * Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO * Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHRUN, NGO Staff Detained in Yemen Amidst Escalating Conflict United Nations and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff in Yemen have been detained and restricted in their movements by Houthi rebels, the UN has confirmed. The detentions come as the conflict in Yemen intensifies, with fighting escalating in recent weeks. According to the UN, at least four UN staff members and eight NGO workers have been detained by Houthi forces. The detainees include both international and national staff. The UN has expressed concern for the well-being of the detained individuals and has called for their immediate release. The detentions have disrupted humanitarian operations in Yemen, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN and its partners provide critical aid to millions of people in the country, including food, water, and medical assistance. “The detention of humanitarian workers is unacceptable and must end immediately,” said Mark Lowcock, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. “These workers are providing life-saving assistance to the people of Yemen, and they must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of detention or harassment.” The Houthi rebels have not provided an official explanation for the detentions. However, they have accused the UN and NGOs of providing support to their adversaries in the conflict. The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, when the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country. A Saudi-led coalition has been intervening in the conflict since 2015, supporting the internationally recognized government of Yemen. The conflict has caused widespread devastation in Yemen, with millions of people displaced from their homes and facing food insecurity. The UN estimates that 13.5 million people in Yemen are at risk of starvation. The international community has condemned the detentions of UN and NGO staff and called for their immediate release. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have all issued statements expressing concern and demanding the release of the detainees. The situation in Yemen remains fluid, and it is unclear when the detainees will be released or what conditions will be imposed on them. However, the detentions underscore the challenges facing humanitarian workers in Yemen and the need for the international community to continue to press for the protection of these essential personnel.