World
UN Calls for Probe into Death of Human Rights Staffer Held by Houthi Rebels
The United Nations has demanded an 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, who was held by Houthi forces since June 2024. El‑Shami died more than a month ago, but his family was only recently notified, according to a UN statement released on Saturday. The Houthis have not explained how he died, but UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the family “deserve to know the truth.” Turk also called for “full transparency” from the Houthi authorities and an “urgent, independent and thorough investigation” into the circumstances of el‑Shami’s death.
El‑Shami was among more than 60 UN and NGO workers detained in June 2024 and accused of belonging to an “American‑Israeli spy network.” Turk expressed grave concern for the seven other OHCHR personnel who were detained alongside el‑Shami and are still in custody, urging their immediate and unconditional release.
UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres, in a separate statement, said he was “appalled” by el‑Shami’s death and echoed Turk’s call for an investigation. He added that the UN is “urgently seeking answers” from the group about the circumstances of the death.
El‑Shami is the second UN staff member to die in Houthi detention, following the death of a World Food Programme staffer in February 2025. In total, 72 UN staffers and NGO workers, including el‑Shami, have been detained by the Houthis. The UN paused operations in parts of Houthi‑held Yemen in February 2025 over concerns for the safety of its employees. The rebel group has previously paraded some detainees on television channels, presenting them as collaborators with Western intelligence agencies and Israel. On October 6, the UN announced that a World Food Programme employee had been released after being “arbitrarily detained” by the Iran‑backed group.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Mohammad el‑Shami?
Mohammad el‑Shami was a staff member of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Yemen.
What did the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights say about the investigation?
Volker Turk called for full transparency from Houthi authorities and an urgent, independent and thorough investigation into the circumstances of el‑Shami’s death.
How many UN staffers and NGO workers have been detained by the Houthis?
In total, 72 UN staffers and NGO workers, including el‑Shami, have been detained by the Houthis.