UN, INGO call for immediate release of staff detained in Yemen
in one general statementfemale Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General in Yementhe leader UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP, WHO And OHCHRand the heads of INGOs OXFAM International, Save the Children International and CARE International, expressed deep concern about the situation.
“At a time when we were hoping for the release of our colleagues, we are deeply saddened by this reported development. “Making potential ‘charges’ against our colleagues is unacceptable and further compounds the prolonged solitary confinement they have endured,” they said.
The group emphasized that the report’s move to “criminal prosecution” further raises serious concerns about the safety and security of its employees and that of their families.
Six OHCHR staff – one female and five men – were Arbitrarily arrested by reality administration in June along with seven other United Nations staff. Two more OHCHR staff and two colleagues from other UN agencies have been detained and held incommunicado since 2021 and 2023, respectively.
In addition, dozens of employees of domestic and international non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions were also arbitrarily arrested.
Targeting of aid workers must stop
They warned that such action would further hinder the ability to deliver vital humanitarian aid to millions of Yemenis in need.
“Targeting of humanitarian operations in Yemen – including arbitrary detention, intimidation, ill-treatment and false accusations – must stop and all detainees must be released,” they stressed. right away”.
The statement added that the United Nations, INGOs and partners are working through “all possible channels” and with multiple governments to ensure the swift release of detainees.
Serious humanitarian crisis
Yemen remains one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian crises. Years of conflict have left more than half the population in need of international assistance and protection.
An estimated 17.6 million people are beginning to fall into severe hunger, including 2.4 million children under 5 years old and 1.2 million pregnant and lactating women who are severely malnourished. important.
Outbreaks of deadly diseases such as cholera, coupled with deteriorating health, water and sanitation services, and frequent disasters, have compounded the crisis.
