UN demands investigation after staffer’s death in Houthi custody in Yemen | United Nations News
UN Demands Investigation Following Death of Employee in Houthi Custody
Published on November 1, 2026
The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the death of Mohammad el-Shami, an employee at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Yemen, who died while in detention by Houthi authorities. His family was informed of his passing only recently, more than a month after his death, according to a UN statement released Saturday.
El-Shami had been held since June 2024, following his detention along with more than 60 other UN and non-governmental organization (NGO) workers. The Houthis alleged that they were part of an “American-Israeli spy network.” The circumstances surrounding el-Shami’s death remain unclear, with Houthi officials not disclosing details. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that el-Shami’s family “deserve to know the truth” and demanded “full transparency” from Houthi authorities.
Turk also expressed deep concern for the seven additional OHCHR staff members still in Houthi custody, reiterating his appeal for their “immediate and unconditional release.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his alarm over el-Shami’s death in a separate statement, reinforcing the call for an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding it. “The UN is urgently seeking answers” from the Houthi group, Guterres stated.
El-Shami’s death marks the second loss of a UN staff member in Houthi detention, following the death of an employee from the World Food Programme in February 2025. The UN reports that a total of 72 staff and NGO personnel, including el-Shami, have been detained by the Houthis.
In response to safety concerns for its employees, the UN suspended operations in certain areas of Houthi-held Yemen in February 2025. The rebel group has previously showcased some detainees on television, alleging connections to Western intelligence agencies and Israel.
On October 6, the UN announced the release of another World Food Programme employee, who had been held “arbitrarily” by the Iran-backed group.
