(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of the arbitrary detention of additional United Nations staff members by Yemen’s Houthi group, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.

According to Dujarric, nine more UN employees were recently taken into custody, bringing the total number of UN personnel detained by the Houthis to 53 since 2021.

“These actions hinder the UN’s ability to operate in Yemen and to deliver critical assistance. The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of United Nations personnel in Yemen,” the statement read.

Guterres reiterated his “urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release” of all detained staff members — including those from the UN, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions — stressing that their rights must be “respected and protected in accordance with applicable international law.”

The UN chief also emphasized that its personnel must be allowed to carry out their duties freely and without obstruction, while underscoring that UN premises and assets are inviolable and must be safeguarded at all times.

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