UN Demands Probe Into Death of Staffer in Houthi Custody

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk is demanding an urgent, independent investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, a Yemeni national and employee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. El Shami had been arbitrarily detained by Houthi de facto authorities since June 6, 2024, as part of a group of UN and NGO workers accused of belonging to an American-Israeli spy network.

The UN reports that el Shami died more than a month before his family was notified, and Houthi authorities have provided no explanation regarding the cause or circumstances of his death. While a Yemeni government minister alleged that el Shami was tortured to death, this claim remains unverified. Turk has called for full transparency, including the preservation of evidence and the disclosure of medical and detention records.

This is the second death of a UN staff member in Houthi custody, following the death of a World Food Programme employee in February 2025. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the death and joined calls for the immediate and unconditional release of other detained personnel. Reports on the number of detainees vary, with the Secretary-General's spokesperson citing 70 current and five former UN staff members in detention. Due to safety concerns, the UN has paused operations in parts of Houthi-held Yemen.