UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany calls for the immediate release of detained personnel in Yemen

The UNESCO Director-General has expressed grave concern about the continued arbitrary detention by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen of 4 of UNESCO personnel, among 59 other UN colleagues and dozens of NGO, civil society, and diplomatic mission personnel.

Echoing the call of the United Nations Secretary-General, the Director-General reiterates his solemn call for their immediate and unconditional release. UNESCO colleagues have been detained while carrying out their official duties to assist the people of Yemen in the field of education and youth empowerment. Two of our colleagues have been presented before the so-called "Special Criminal Court" on fabricated charges of espionage connected to their work. These arbitrary detentions, without any due process, are unacceptable violations of human rights and international law.

Director-General Khaled El-Enany expresses his profound solidarity with them and their families, whose suffering has endured for far too long. UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to supporting the people of Yemen and to upholding their fundamental rights, in line with the principles of the United Nations.