UN condemns arbitrary detention of additional staff by Houthis

WAM
20 Dec 2025, 03:04 GMT+10

NEW YORK, 19th December, 2025 (WAM) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the arbitrary detention carried out by the Houthi group on 18th December against 10 additional United Nations staff members, bringing the total number of detained UN personnel to 69.

In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said these detentions have rendered the delivery of United Nations humanitarian assistance in areas under Houthi control unsustainable. He noted that this directly affects millions of people in need and restricts their access to life-saving aid.

He added that the Secretary-General called for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and diplomatic missions.

He also urged the Houthis to revoke the referral of UN staff for prosecution and stressed the need to respect international law, including the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its staff, which are essential to enabling humanitarian work in a safe and principled environment.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Kenya Star.

More Information

Africa

Section

Another Blow to Media Freedom in Ethiopia

In the latest crackdown on media freedom in Ethiopia, Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany's international public broadcaster, said in a December...

"Got some different skills": Tilak Varma on Suryakumar Yadav

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), [India], December 20 (ANI): Star batter Tilak Varma has backed India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who is going...

"Except openers, we are flexible to bat anywhere": Tilak Varma speaks on his batting position

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 20 (ANI): After smashing an explosive fifty in the fifth T20I against South Africa, Tilak Varma...

"I would like to...": Varun Chakaravarthy dedicates his Player of the Series award to his family

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 20 (ANI): India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy said that he enjoyed the high-scoring contest against...

"Always exciting when your contribution helps team win": Hardik Pandya after his 16-ball fifty leads India's charge to series win over Proteas

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 20 (ANI): India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his enthusiasm to contribute to India's...

"Plenty to take away": Aiden Markram after South Africa suffers a 30-run defeat against India

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 20 (ANI): After losing the fifth and final T20I by 30 runs against India at the Narendra Modi...

World

Section

With India-EU trade pact talks in "decisive phase", Dutch FM hopes for early conclusion; emphasises resilient supply chains

By Ayushi Agarwal New Delhi [India], December 19 (ANI): As negotiations between India and the European Union on a long-pending Free...