UN calls for investigation into death of staffer in Houthi custody in Yemen

The United Nations has demanded an urgent, independent investigation into the death of Mohammad el‑Shami, a staff member of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Yemen.

El‑Shami had been arbitrarily detained by Houthi forces since June 2024, when more than 60 UN and NGO workers were accused of belonging to an “American‑Israeli spy network”. He died more than a month ago, but his family was only recently informed, the UN said in a statement on Saturday.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the family “deserve to know the truth” and called for “full transparency” from the Houthi authorities, urging an “urgent, independent and thorough investigation”. He also expressed grave concern for the seven other OHCHR personnel still held and appealed for their immediate and unconditional release.

UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres said he was “appalled” by el‑Shami’s death and echoed calls for answers from the rebel group. El‑Shami is the second UN staff member to die in Houthi detention, following a World Food Programme employee’s death in February 2025.

In total, 72 UN staffers and NGO workers have been detained by the Houthis. The UN paused operations in parts of Houthi‑held Yemen in February 2025 over safety concerns, and on 6 October announced the release of a World Food Programme employee previously “arbitrarily detained”.

Source: Al Jazeera. Photo: YUKSEL OZDEMIR / Pexels.