The United Nations (UN) High Representative for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of 17 UN staff members imprisoned by the Houthis in Yemen.
The spokeswoman of the UN human rights office Ravina Shamdasani in Geneva reminded that three months have passed since the Houthis imprisoned six of their colleagues in Yemen.
Shamdasani said six UN human rights officials were detained along with other UN staff.
“17 UN staff members are detained in Yemen. Their whereabouts are unknown. The Houthis have not allowed physical access to any of them despite our repeated requests. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained staff of the UN,” said Shamdasani.
She said that Turk demands the release of all workers involved in human rights and humanitarian aid, who were similarly arrested and detained without legal protection.
Noting that the Houthis are hindering the efforts of the UN and other humanitarian organizations to serve the Yemeni people, Shamdasani called for easing those efforts, AA writes.
