Aden -- The United Nations Security Council held a closed-door session on Thursday to address the arbitrary detention of UN personnel by Houthi authorities in Yemen, amid growing international concern over the safety of humanitarian workers and the integrity of UN operations in the country.

The meeting followed the continued detention of at least 59 UN staff members, including employees of the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, who were reportedly seized in late August and early September. The Houthis have accused the detainees of espionage on behalf of Israel and the United States—claims that the UN has categorically denied.

In a strongly worded statement, Council members condemned the detentions as violations of international law, emphasizing that the safety and security of UN personnel and the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. The Council also expressed outrage over the death of a WFP staff member in Houthi custody earlier this year, calling it a tragic consequence of unlawful detention practices.

“These actions undermine humanitarian operations and threaten the lives of those working to assist Yemen’s most vulnerable communities,” said Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Council President and Permanent Representative of Guyana.

The Security Council reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN and NGO staff, and called on the Houthis to cease further harassment of humanitarian agencies. Members also urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and facilitate safe access for aid workers.

The detentions have sparked alarm across the humanitarian sector, with aid organizations warning that such actions could cripple relief efforts in a country where over 19 million people rely on assistance.

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, briefed the Council on the broader implications of the detentions and the deteriorating humanitarian landscape.

As Yemen’s conflict continues with no comprehensive peace agreement in sight, the Security Council’s unified stance signals mounting pressure on the Houthis to respect international norms and protect humanitarian personnel.