UN demands investigation into staff member’s death in Houthi custody

The United Nations has demanded an independent investigation into the death of Mohammad el-Shami, a Yemeni employee of the UN Human Rights Office who had been held by Houthi authorities since June 6, 2024.

El-Shami died more than a month ago, but his family was informed only recently and has received no explanation of the cause or circumstances, the UN said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “appalled” by the death and called for an immediate, impartial, transparent and thorough investigation.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk demanded full transparency, including access to relevant medical and detention records, preservation of evidence and independent scrutiny of any stated cause of death. He also called for accountability for any wrongdoing.

Turk said seven other employees of his office remain detained and urged the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel, humanitarian workers and civil society members held by the Houthis. He called on the authorities to ensure their humane treatment, medical care, family contact and UN access while they remain in custody.

The Houthis had not immediately commented on el-Shami’s death. The group has previously accused detained UN and aid workers of belonging to a United States-Israeli espionage network, allegations for which it has not publicly provided evidence.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government also condemned el-Shami’s death and held the Houthis responsible. The UN said this was the second death of one of its employees in Houthi detention, after a World Food Programme staff member died in 2025.