UN welcomes release of staff member detained by Houthis in Yemen

The United Nations on Monday welcomed the release of a staff member held by the Houthi group in Yemen and renewed its call for the immediate release of dozens of humanitarian workers who remain in custody.

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters that the organisation would continue to pursue every possible avenue to secure the immediate and safe release of those detained. He said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had repeatedly called for the release of all detained UN and humanitarian personnel.

The World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that the released person worked for the agency, saying it was relieved that the staff member had reunited with his family after being “arbitrarily detained.”

“We stand in solidarity with the 72 UN personnel and five former UN personnel, including WFP colleagues, who remain detained in Yemen,” the agency said on “X”. It added that it joined the UN chief in pressing for the release of all aid workers in the country.

The WFP said it supported “any constructive dialogue and engagement” with the Houthis to build on the release and secure further agreements.