The United Nations is calling for an independent investigation into the death of a Yemeni employee of the United Nations Human Rights Office in Houthi detention. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has also called for the release of other detained UN personnel.
Türk confirmed the death of Mohammad el Shami on Saturday, 31 October, saying his family had only recently been informed, more than a month after he died. El Shami had been in Houthi custody since 6 June 2024. The UN has reportedly received no explanation of the circumstances surrounding his death.
Türk called for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation, stressing that all remaining UN personnel must be released immediately and unconditionally.
Those still detained include seven employees of his office, alongside humanitarian workers and members of civil society.
Yemen's Prime Minister also condemned the death, holding the Houthis responsible and calling for those involved to be held accountable. He said more than 70 UN employees and dozens of humanitarian workers remained in detention.
The Houthis have previously alleged that those detained were part of a spy network working for the United States and Israel. They have also accused humanitarian organisations of using their activities as cover for intelligence operations, without providing evidence.
The group had not immediately commented on the latest death.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over the detention of aid workers and international personnel in Yemen.
The Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, triggering a Saudi-led military intervention the following year in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government.
More than a decade of conflict has left the country divided. The Houthis control Sanaa and much of the north and north-west, while government-aligned forces hold large parts of the south and east.
The latest death has renewed calls for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel working in the country, as concerns grow over the safety of those still being held.
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