We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the recent wave of arbitrary arrests carried out by the Houthi de facto authorities, targeting humanitarian workers and UN staff in Yemen. At least eight UN employees and dozens of staff from civil society organizations have been detained between January 23–25, 2025, adding to an alarming pattern of repression against those providing life-saving assistance in the country.These individuals—doctors, aid workers, and human rights defenders—have been wrongfully accused of espionage and remain detained without charge, access to legal representation, or contact with their families. Their arrests not only violate fundamental human rights but also threaten the already fragile humanitarian response in Yemen, where 80% of the population relies on aid.

We call on the Houthi authorities to:
1️⃣ Immediately and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained humanitarian and UN staff.
2️⃣ End the crackdown on civic space and respect the rights of human rights defenders and aid workers.
3️⃣ Ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to continue their essential work.

We urge the international community, the United Nations, and all stakeholders with influence over the Houthis to take urgent action and press for the release of these detained individuals. Humanitarian work is not a crime—those who dedicate their lives to helping others must be protected, not persecuted.

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