100 days of detention: Regional Directors of UN agencies and INGOs call for immediate release of arbitrarily detained staff
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 half of Yemen’s population—18.2 million people, including 14 million women and children—are affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Key challenges include:
Child Mortality: In 2023, 41,000 children under five died, mainly from preventable conditions. Vaccine coverage has dropped below 50%, leading to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles (27,000 cases) and polio-related paralysis (269 children affected since 2021).
Malnutrition: 2.4 million children under five are acutely malnourished, with over half a million facing severe malnutrition, putting them at high risk of death.
Cholera: Between January and September 2024, 183,702 suspected cases of cholera and acute watery diarrhea were reported, with 629 deaths.
Flooding: Recent floods have affected over 537,000 people, resulting in 122 deaths and 167 injuries.
Food Insecurity: 17.6 million people are food insecure in 2024.
Displacement: 4.5 million people are internally displaced (IDPs), 80% of whom are women and children. Essential needs include food, shelter, and education.
Humanitarian Funding: Only 28% of the $2.71 billion required for the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan has been received, leaving a $1.95 billion gap.
Education: 6.2 million children and teachers need educational assistance, with over 4.5 million children out of school.
Protection: 16.4 million people need protection services, and over 380,000 migrants and refugees require life-saving assistance.
WASH: 17.4 million people lack access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Health: 17.8 million people require health assistance.
UN entities involved in this initiative:
OHCHR, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
UNDP, United Nations Development Programme
UNHCR, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNICEF, United Nations Children’s Fund
WFP, World Food Programme
WHO, World Health Organization
Other entities involved in this initiative:
OXFAM
Save the Children