100 Days of Detention: Regional Directors of UN agencies and INGOs Call for Immediate Release …
18 September 2024 – Today marks 100 days since the arbitrary detention by de facto authorities in Sana’a of more than 50 personnel from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions. In addition, four UN staff members have been detained since 2021 and 2023. Attacks on humanitarian workers, including detentions and false accusations, violate international law, endanger safety, and severely hinder the support we provide to the Yemeni people and mediation efforts crucial for advancing the peace process in Yemen.
We, the regional directors of CARE, Oxfam, Save the Children, OHCHR, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO and WFP, urgently call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained colleagues. In the meantime, all detained colleagues must be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights, including being allowed to contact their families, legal representatives, and organizations. We also call for the protection of humanitarian workers, ensuring safe humanitarian space and access to communities we serve.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire and worsening, with over 18 million people, including 14 million women and children, suffering from compounded crises such as food insecurity and malnutrition, epidemics, climate change, displacement, damaged infrastructure, and critical economic conditions.
Despite immense challenges, including insecurity and staff safety concerns, diminishing funding, and a shrinking humanitarian space, the UN, INGOs and national partners are committed to continue providing much-needed humanitarian and development support to millions of Yemenis, guided by humanitarian principles and respect for Yemeni culture and traditions.
Note to Correspondents: Humanitarian situation in Yemen:
Over