NEW YORK: The UN firmly has rejected allegations made by the Houthis that UNICEF, UNESCO and other humanitarian partners have been colluding to destroy Yemen’s education system.

“Such false statements are baseless, and further threaten the safety of staff and hinder our ability and our partners ability to serve the people of Yemen,” said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General, during the daily briefing today.

‘”With over 4.5 million children out of school in Yemen, UNICEF calls on the Sana’a authorities to lead a constructive and collaborative approach, working together with all partners to address the pressing needs of all children. We underscore that the safety of all United Nations personnel must be respected and assured,” he added.

The Secretary-General recalled that three months have passed since the Houthis arbitrarily detained 13 UN personnel, in addition to members of civil society, national and international NGOs, as well as diplomatic missions. Additionally, four UN staff were
detained in 2021 and 2023 and remain in detention.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners, who are arbitrarily detained in Yemen.

In the meantime, those detained must be treated with full respect for their human rights, and they must be able to contact their families and contact their legal representatives.

Source: Emirates News Agency