WFP staff member freed in Yemen while 72 UN personnel remain detained

15 October 2026

The UN World Food Programme welcomed the release of one of its staff members who had been arbitrarily detained in Yemen, saying on 5 October 2026 that it was relieved he had been reunited with his family.
WFP said it stood in solidarity with the 72 UN personnel and five former UN personnel who remain detained.
Thirty-seven of those 72 UN personnel are WFP staff.
The agency said it supported constructive dialogue with the Houthi de facto authorities to build on the release and secure further releases.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said the Secretary-General has called for the release of all detained UN personnel and other humanitarian personnel in Yemen.
He said the UN will continue to pursue every possible avenue to secure their immediate and safe release.