London, UK – 8 October 2025

The arbitrary detention of humanitarian and diplomatic personnel in Yemen has reached a critical point, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres issuing a strong condemnation following the detention of additional staff, bringing the total number of arbitrarily detained UN personnel to 54 since 2021. This ongoing crisis, involving staff from the UN and its partners in areas under Houthi control, is severely hindering the delivery of critical life-saving assistance to the millions of people caught in the country’s decade-long conflict.

Total Detentions Hit 54

In a statement released on October 7, 2025, via his Spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the continued detentions. The latest arrests, which included ten more UN personnel, pushed the overall figure of arbitrarily detained UN staff to 54. These detentions, which have occurred since 2021, overwhelmingly involve Yemeni nationals who are dedicated to helping their own citizens.

Headline Points:

 * Total Detainees: The total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff since 2021 has reached 54.

 * Arbitrary Arrests: The detentions were described as arbitrary and strongly condemned by the UN Secretary-General.

 * Scope of Target: Detainees include personnel from the United Nations, international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and diplomatic missions.

 * Impact on Aid: The actions hinder the UN’s ability to operate in Yemen and deliver critical assistance to those in need.

 * Violation of Law: The UN stressed that the targeting of personnel is a violation of international law.

Guterres Demands Immediate and Unconditional Release

Secretary-General Guterres reiterated his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel. The detainees include staff from the UN and its partners, whose sole function is to provide humanitarian relief and support to the Yemeni population.

The UN chief emphasized that the personnel must be respected and protected in accordance with applicable international law and allowed to perform their functions without hindrance. Furthermore, the statement condemned the ongoing unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in Houthi-controlled areas, stressing that UN facilities are inviolable and must be protected at all times, consistent with the UN Charter.

The Houthi authorities, who control the capital, Sana’a, and much of northern Yemen, have previously sought to justify the arrests by claiming to be dismantling an alleged espionage network. However, humanitarian organisations insist that these actions are a long-running crackdown designed to exert control over international aid operations.

Humanitarian Crisis Exacerbated

The detentions come at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains one of the world’s worst, leaving millions dependent on aid. The arbitrary targeting and detention of aid workers severely compromises the ability of the UN and NGOs, such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, to safely and effectively distribute food, medicine, and other life-saving supplies across the Houthi-held northern half of the country.

The UN has affirmed its commitment to continue working tirelessly and through all available channels to secure the safe and immediate release of all arbitrarily detained personnel and the return of seized assets, while maintaining its unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Yemen in their aspirations for a just and lasting peace.