UN demands investigation after staffer’s death in Houthi custody in Yemen
Summary
The United Nations called for an independent investigation into the death of OHCHR staff member Mohammad el-Shami, who died in Houthi custody in Yemen. The UN said it had been informed of his death recently, more than a month after it occurred, and is seeking answers from Houthi authorities.Key Facts
- El-Shami had been held by the Houthis since June 2024.
- The Houthis have not said how el-Shami died.
- UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for transparency and an urgent, independent, thorough investigation.
- Seven other OHCHR personnel detained alongside el-Shami remain in custody, Türk said.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the UN was urgently seeking information about the circumstances of the death.
- El-Shami is the second UN staff member reported to have died in Houthi detention; a World Food Programme staffer died in February 2025.
- The article says 72 UN staff 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 staff safety concerns.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
