The Governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement condemning the recent detentions by the Houthis of United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff.
"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."
The statement reiterates support for 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," it states.
According to the joint statement, these detentions represent an escalation by the Houthis that jeopardizes a sensitive peace process. "They are an affront to international peace and security. All detainees should be released immediately."
Furthermore, the governments reaffirm their strong commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. They also express their commitment to stand by the people of Yemen.
"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."
