UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday strongly criticized the detention of 10 more UN staff by the Houthis in Yemen, according to his spokesperson.
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"Mr. Guterres urges the immediate and complete release of all UN, non-governmental, and civil society workers, as well as diplomats, who have been detained without proper reason," said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a statement.
"He also asks the Houthis to cancel any charges against UN personnel."
With these 10 people being held on Thursday, the total number of UN staff detained in Yemen now stands at 69, he said.
Dujarric explained that these detentions make it impossible for the UN to deliver aid in areas controlled by the Houthis.
This directly impacts millions of people who need help and limits their access to important aid.
He also mentioned that the UN chief emphasized the importance of following international law, including the special protections given to UN staff and their work.
These protections are necessary to ensure humanitarian efforts can happen safely and properly.
Dujarric added that the Secretary-General and the UN will keep working with member countries, the Security Council, and the Houthis to get all detained staff released.