LONDON

The UN issued a stern condemnation on Tuesday in response to the storming of its representation in Yemen's capital by Ansar Allah, the Houthi de facto authorities.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk urgently called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff currently detained in Yemen.

Turk expressed grave concern over the forced entry into the UN premises, calling it a flagrant violation of the privileges and immunity afforded the UN.

"Entering a UN office without permission and seizing documents and property by force are wholly inconsistent with the privileges and immunities of the UN. This is also a serious attack on the ability of the UN to perform its mandate, including with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights, which my Office is there to defend," he said.

The storming of the UN office in the capital Sanaa took place on Aug. 3, when a delegation sent by Ansar Allah authorities forced UN national staff to hand over belongings, including documents, furniture, and vehicles, as well as the office keys.

The delegation has since maintained control of the premises, despite repeated calls from high-level UN officials for the release of the detained staff and the return of the seized property.

The incident follows the detention of 13 UN staff members by Ansar Allah on June 6-7, including six employees of the UN Human Rights Office.

These detentions occurred alongside the arrest of over 50 NGO workers and an embassy staffer

Turk reiterated his plea for the release of the detained staff, noting that previous appeals have gone unanswered.

"I regret that all our pleas have fallen on deaf ears," he said. "I appeal again, with a heavy heart, for their immediate and unconditional release. We are doing all we can to make sure they are united with their loved ones as soon as possible. Until then, the de facto authorities must ensure they are treated with full respect for their human rights and that they are able to contact their families and legal representatives."