UN Official Demands Immediate Release of Humanitarian Workers Detained by Houthi Militias

The acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, has issued a renewed call for the immediate and unconditional release of dozens of humanitarian workers currently detained in Houthi-controlled prisons. Marking World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations emphasized that these individuals remain in custody despite repeated international appeals, leaving their families in a state of profound distress and uncertainty.

In a formal statement, the UN official highlighted the immense risks faced by aid workers in Yemen, noting that their safety is essential for the delivery of life-saving assistance. Harneis warned that when humanitarian personnel are targeted, threatened, or intimidated, the most vulnerable populations suffer the consequences, as access to critical protection services and aid is severely compromised. He stressed that effective humanitarian operations require a secure environment that adheres strictly to established humanitarian principles.

The situation in Yemen remains one of the most acute humanitarian crises globally, with millions of people facing severe food insecurity. The UN reported that half of all children under the age of five, along with 1.3 million pregnant and nursing women, suffer from acute malnutrition. Furthermore, the collapse of health infrastructure—where two out of every five facilities are either non-functional or operating at partial capacity—has left millions of civilians at extreme risk.

Despite significant challenges, including operational restrictions and critical funding shortages, humanitarian organizations reached 3.4 million people in the first half of the year. However, the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan remains only 20 percent funded, forcing agencies to scale back essential programs. Harneis urged international donors to provide urgent resources to bridge this widening gap and ensure the continuity of life-saving interventions.

The Houthi militia continues to hold 73 UN staff members and dozens of employees from international and non-governmental organizations in detention, accusing them of espionage. Despite more than a dozen statements and appeals from the United Nations and the international community, the de facto authorities have refused to release the detainees, maintaining their hold on staff who have dedicated their lives to assisting the Yemeni people.