United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a forceful condemnation of Yemen’s Houthi authorities for their ongoing arbitrary detention of United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers. The stark declaration came during a press briefing at UN headquarters in New York on December 17, 2025, following closed-door consultations with the Security Council regarding the deteriorating situation in Yemen.
Guterres revealed that 59 UN staff members, partner organization personnel, NGO workers, civil society representatives, and diplomatic mission employees remain unlawfully detained. The Secretary-General emphasized that recent developments—including the referral of three UN personnel to a special criminal court by Houthi authorities—represent particularly alarming escalations. These individuals face charges directly related to their performance of official UN duties, which Guterres characterized as completely unacceptable under international law.
‘The continued detention of our colleagues constitutes a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to assisting the Yemeni people,’ Guterres stated. ‘United Nations personnel and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be permitted to conduct our vital work without interference.’
Beyond the detention crisis, Guterres expressed deep concern about escalating tensions throughout Yemen, particularly noting dramatic new developments in the eastern governorates. He warned that a full resumption of hostilities could have serious regional consequences, affecting stability in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Horn of Africa regions.
The UN chief urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through diplomatic dialogue. He emphasized that only a sustainable, negotiated political settlement embracing the aspirations of all Yemenis can ultimately bring the devastating conflict to an end, noting that until such resolution is achieved, the Yemeni people will continue to bear a terrible humanitarian cost.