Security Council Press Statement for Houthi Detentions Anniversary, 6 June

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Leonor Zalabata Torres (Colombia):

As the second anniversary of the June 2024 detentions approaches, the members of the Security Council reaffirmed their condemnation in the strongest terms of the detentions by the Houthis of personnel from the United Nations system, national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. They expressed deep concern for the welfare of those personnel unjustly detained since 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their demand for the unconditional, safe and immediate release of these detainees, including 73 United Nations personnel, and reiterated that all threats to those delivering humanitarian assistance are unacceptable and worsen the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. They welcomed the continued work of the United Nations through all possible channels to secure the immediate release of those detained.

The members of the Security Council reiterated the obligations of all parties to a conflict to allow and facilitate, in a manner consistent with relevant provisions of international humanitarian law, full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need, and to promote the safety, security and freedom of movement of humanitarian, United Nations and associated personnel, and the safety and security of their premises and assets.

The members of the Security Council emphasised that the humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate in the absence of a political solution, with over 22.3 million Yemenis now in need of assistance, and reaffirmed their strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and its commitment to stand by the people of Yemen. They reiterated their support for United Nations Special Envoy Hans Grundberg in his efforts towards a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement based on the agreed references and consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.