The European Union strongly condemns the latest detentions by Houthis of United Nations’ personnel and staff working for international and national non-governmental organisations (INGOs), and diplomatic missions in Yemen. The European Union fully supports the UN Secretary General’s message of 11 June and echoes the call for immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.

The European Union is also deeply concerned about the negative repercussions this could have on the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian and development assistance to the Yemeni population. The EU urges the Houthis to allow the unimpeded access of humanitarian actors in the country, respect and preserve the safety and security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel in Yemen in line with international humanitarian law.

The EU has continuously condemned the unacceptable Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, which violate international law, threaten maritime security and peace in the region, and disrupt global trade. These attacks must stop.
The EU reiterates the need for unity in Yemen and full respect to the country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.