UN demands urgent investigation after death of staff member held in Houthi custody

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has demanded an urgent investigation into the death of a UN staff member, Mohammad el Shami, who was held in custody by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Shami, who worked at the UN Human Rights Office, died after being held by the Houthis since June 6, 2024. The family was only recently informed of his death, which occurred more than a month ago.

Türk expressed his condolences to Shami's family and called for transparency regarding the cause of his death. He specifically requested that all relevant medical and detention records be disclosed, evidence preserved, and an independent examination of the official cause of death be conducted. Türk emphasized the need for accountability and added that there must be action taken against any wrongdoing.

He also expressed grave concern for the safety and wellbeing of other UN personnel who remain detained, including seven colleagues from his office, as well as humanitarian and civil society workers, and urged for their immediate and unconditional release. Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani condemned the death and stated that the Houthis bear full responsibility, adding that over 70 UN staff members and dozens of humanitarian workers remain in Houthi custody.

The conflict in Yemen has escalated in recent months, with the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels launching a renewed offensive and declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia. In June 2024, the Houthis accused a number of individuals of belonging to a US-Israeli spy network and arrested them in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has retaliated against the group through airstrikes and missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities and shipping.

A Houthi strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International airport last month resulted in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries.