PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the Recent Detentions by the Houthis [June 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

The text of the following is a joint statement by the Governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

We, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemn in the strongest terms the recent detentions by the Houthis of United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff.

We reiterate and support UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for the immediate release of all United Nations staff held in Yemen by the Houthis.  We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained and urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian, diplomatic, and United Nations personnel.  These detentions represent an escalation by the Houthis, and jeopardize a sensitive peace process.  They are an affront to international peace and security.  All detainees should be released immediately.

We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, and our commitment to stand by the people of Yemen.