by By Oluchi Omai
Washington, D.C. – November 7, 2024
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator, Samantha Power, held a meeting on November 6 with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, to address concerns over the detention of United Nations, diplomatic, and NGO staff by Houthi forces in Yemen.
According to USAID spokesperson Benjamin Suarato, Administrator Power expressed deep concern about these arbitrary arrests and recent moves by the Houthis to refer detainees for prosecution on what USAID described as false espionage charges. The detainees, who include humanitarian and diplomatic staff, have been detained without lawful grounds, raising international concerns over human rights abuses.
During the discussion, Administrator Power called on the United Nations to continue using all diplomatic channels to push for the immediate release of these detainees. She emphasized that these individuals were unjustly targeted and stressed the urgency of securing their freedom. Power also highlighted the United States’ ongoing commitment to supporting the people of Yemen, who continue to endure severe hardships amid ongoing conflict.
The meeting underscored the need for international cooperation to address humanitarian issues in Yemen and prevent further detentions or threats to humanitarian staff and diplomats.
