Sana'a — The United Nations has appointed Maeen Shureim, former deputy to the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, to spearhead diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the release of dozens of UN employees currently detained by Houthi authorities in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

Shureim, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Yemeni affairs, will lead a high-level task force coordinating with regional actors, humanitarian agencies, and Houthi representatives to resolve the escalating crisis. His appointment follows a series of raids by Houthi forces on UN compounds, including a recent incident in October that led to the detention of 20 UN staff members, among them both international and Yemeni personnel.

While some detainees have since been released, over 50 locally recruited UN staff remain in custody at undisclosed locations, raising serious concerns about their safety and legal status. The UN has condemned the detentions as arbitrary and in violation of international law, urging immediate and unconditional release.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed confidence in Shureim’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape and engage constructively with all parties. “Maeen brings deep knowledge of Yemen and a proven track record in conflict mediation. His leadership is vital to ensuring the safety and dignity of our colleagues,” Guterres said in a statement.

Human rights organizations and UN entities have repeatedly called for transparency and accountability regarding the detainees, many of whom have been held without charge since 2021.

Shureim’s mission is expected to include shuttle diplomacy, coordination with humanitarian partners, and advocacy at the Security Council level. Observers hope his appointment will mark a turning point in the UN’s efforts to protect its personnel and uphold its mandate in Yemen.