UN Calls for Probe into Death of Employee in Houthi Custody

The United Nations on Saturday condemned the “heartbreaking” death of one of its employees while in Houthi custody in Yemen, calling for an urgent and independent investigation into the circumstances.

Mohammad al-Shami, who worked for the UN Human Rights Office in Yemen, had been “arbitrarily detained” by the Houthis since June 2024, the organisation said in a statement. According to his family, he died more than a month ago, but his relatives were informed only recently.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said no explanation had been provided for the “heartbreaking loss” and demanded accountability from the Houthi authorities.

Türk called for “full transparency” and an “urgent, independent and thorough investigation” into al-Shami’s death. He also expressed grave concern for the safety and well-being of other UN personnel still being held by the group and called for their immediate release.

“By detaining our colleagues, the de facto authorities are gravely undermining our ability to support the people of Yemen during a most serious humanitarian and human rights crisis,” Türk said, urging the Houthis to change course.

On October 14, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York that the Houthis were holding 71 UN personnel.

Yemen’s Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani also condemned al-Shami’s death in a statement cited by the state news agency SABA. He said the unclear circumstances surrounding the death raised serious concerns about the safety of other detainees.

Al-Eryani called for an “independent and transparent international investigation” to establish the circumstances of the death, determine responsibility and ensure those involved were held accountable.

The Iran-aligned Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.

Yemen returned to intensified conflict in July after four years of relative calm, amid the wider regional conflict in the Middle East. Hostilities escalated further in September, with Saudi Arabia launching air strikes against Houthi positions and the group increasing attacks inside Saudi territory.