The UN says six of its staff have been released in Ethiopia, leaving five in detention.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said one dependant was also being detained.

The UN employees were among 16 detained earlier this month.

No reason has been given for their detention and the Ethiopian government has not commented about the release.

There has been widespread arrests in the country following the declaration of a state of emergency.

Authorities have recently denied targeting any specific people during arrests, saying those arrested had contravened emergency laws.

The conflict in the north of the country is still ongoing as federal government forces clash with rebels.

There has been international calls for the government and the rebels to end the conflict that has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the region.