UN refutes Houthi allegations of destroying Yemen's education system

A UN spokesman denied on Wednesday the Houthi allegations that the world body and humanitarian partners are attempting to wipe out Yemen's education system.

"We firmly reject the allegations made by the Houthis that UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund), UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and other humanitarian partners have been colluding to destroy Yemen's education system," Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters at a regular briefing.

Dujarric said that with over 4.5 million children out of school in Yemen, UNICEF calls on the Houthi 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 UN personnel must be respected and assured," the spokesman noted.

He said UN agencies and partners are working tirelessly to address the impact of the dire humanitarian situation on the people of Yemen.

Dujarric said the secretary-general recalled that it has been three months since the Houthis arbitrarily detained 13 UN personnel, in addition to members of civil society, national and international NGOs (non-governmental organizations), as well as diplomatic missions.

The spokesman pointed out that four UN staff detained in 2021 and 2023 remain in custody.

"The secretary-general reiterates his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners, who are arbitrarily detained in Yemen," Dujarric said. "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."