The United Nations has called for an urgent and independent investigation following the death of an OHCHR employee who was held in Houthi custody in Yemen. Mohammad el-Shami had been detained since June 2024, when he and numerous other UN and NGO workers were rounded up and accused of spying.
According to a UN statement issued on Saturday, el-Shami died over a month ago, though his family was only recently notified. Houthi authorities have not disclosed the cause of death. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk demanded full transparency and a thorough inquiry, emphasizing that the family deserves to know the truth. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed deep shock over the incident and stated that the organization is urgently seeking answers regarding the circumstances of the staffer's passing.
El-Shami’s death marks the second time a UN staff member has died while in Houthi detention, following a previous fatality involving a World Food Programme worker in February 2025. In total, 72 UN and NGO personnel have faced detention by the group. Turk voiced grave concern for the seven remaining OHCHR personnel still held in custody, renewing appeals for their immediate and unconditional release.
