UN Security Council Urges Yemen Aid Access, Demands Houthi Release of UN Staff

The UN Security Council has expressed grave concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, emphasizing that over 22.3 million people remain in urgent need of assistance, and has strongly condemned the continued detention of United Nations personnel and other aid workers by Houthi militias.

Council members issued a statement highlighting that the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains among the most severe globally. They stressed the critical importance of ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need and underscored the necessity of protecting humanitarian workers to enable them to perform their vital duties.

The Council reiterated its condemnation of the Houthi group for holding captive UN staff, local and international non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions. Deep concern was voiced regarding the well-being and safety of those detained, some of whom have been held since 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. An immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all detainees, including 73 UN employees, was demanded.

The Security Council members affirmed that targeting humanitarian workers and obstructing their operations is unacceptable. They warned that the continuation of such practices exacerbates the suffering of the population and undermines efforts to address the growing humanitarian needs across the country.

The Council welcomed the ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United Nations to secure the release of the detainees and called for ensuring the safety, security, and freedom of movement of humanitarian workers and UN staff, along with the protection of their premises and property.

Council members emphasized that achieving a comprehensive and sustainable political solution is the most effective path to ending the worsening humanitarian crisis and establishing stability in Yemen. They reiterated the imperative to create conditions that allow humanitarian organizations to access those in need and deliver life-saving assistance.