UN human rights staff member dies in Houthi custody
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights announced on 31 October that Mohammad el Shami, a Yemeni staff member of the UN Human Rights Office in Yemen, had died in Houthi custody after being arbitrarily detained since 6 June 2024. His family was told only recently, more than a month after his death, and the UN has not established the date or cause. The UN Secretary-General condemned the death and the UN is demanding an independent investigation, the return of his body and the release of the more than 70 UN personnel still held. The date shown is the date of the announcement.
The person involved
Held by the Houthi de facto authorities from 6 June 2024 until his death. He is the second UN staff member known to have died in Houthi detention, after a World Food Programme colleague in February 2025.