Sana’a — The United Nations has announced that nearly 60 of its personnel remain in arbitrary detention by Houthi militias in northern Yemen, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure their release.

UN spokespersons confirmed that the staff members, including both Yemeni nationals and international employees, have been held without due process for extended periods. The detentions, which began months ago, have drawn sharp condemnation from the international community and human rights organizations.

“These detentions are unacceptable and violate international law,” said a UN official, reiterating calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel. The organization emphasized that its staff were carrying out humanitarian and development work aimed at alleviating the suffering of millions of Yemenis affected by the ongoing conflict.

The Houthis, who control large parts of northern Yemen including the capital Sana’a, have not provided clear legal justification for the detentions. The UN has warned that such actions undermine humanitarian operations and jeopardize the safety of aid workers in one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

Efforts to engage with Houthi authorities through diplomatic and humanitarian channels are ongoing, the UN said, but progress remains limited.