Today, as the world commemorates the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, 52 United Nations personnel remain in detention globally, 23 of them held by the de facto authorities in Yemen.

I join the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly in standing in solidarity with all detained UN and INGO colleagues and their families, and I echo their calls for the immediate release of all those unjustly held.

On this day, I also honour the memory of our World Food Programme colleague who died in detention, and I pay tribute to the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of all humanitarians delivering life-saving assistance to the people of Yemen across the country.

Around the world, and sometimes in the most dangerous places, United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers risk their personal safety in service of millions in need. Their sole mission is to save lives and serve peace.

As Eid approaches, I urge the authorities in Sana’a to release all detained humanitarian and UN
personnel, so they may reunite with their families and loved ones in time for the celebrations.