Dec. 17 (UPI) — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday called for a de-escalation in violence in Yemen and for Houthi leaders to release 59 detained U.N. workers, diplomatic-mission personnel and others.
He called the detention of the personnel, which includes staff from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions, “arbitrary.”
“The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen,” Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York City.
“The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to perform our work without interference.”
Houthi officials referred three U.N. workers to a special criminal court. The Iran-backed Houthis have detained workers on allegations they’re members of foreign espionage cells linked to the United States, Britain, Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Last week, the U.S. State Department called on the Houthis — which it has labeled a terror organization — to release the workers, many of whom are Yemeni.
“The Houthis’ arrests of those staff and the sham proceedings that have been brought against them are further evidence that the Houthis rely on the use of terror against their own people as a way to stay in power,” State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott said.
In addition to releasing the personnel, Guterres called for the de-escalation of tensions in the country. The separatist group Southern Transitional Council advanced on Hadramawt and al-Mahra earlier this month. The Houthis control the capital of Sana’a.
“As I told the Security Council, unilateral actions will not clear a path to peace,” Guterres said. “They deepen divisions. Harden positions. And raise the risk of wider escalation and further fragmentation.
He called on all parties to resolve differences through dialogue.
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