UN demands probe after staff member dies in Houthi custody

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has demanded an urgent investigation into the death of UN staff member Mohammad el Shami while in Houthi custody, Euronews reported. Mohammad el Shami worked at the UN Human Rights Office in Yemen. He had been arbitrarily held by Houthi forces since 6 June 2024. [1]

The UN High Commissioner office stated on Saturday that Mohammad el Shami's family said he died more than a month ago, but they were only recently informed of his death. High Commissioner Türk described the death as a heartbreaking loss for the United Nations and offered condolences to the family. [1]

Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani stated that Houthi forces continue to detain more than 70 UN staff members alongside dozens of other humanitarian workers, according to Euronews. The UN has repeatedly urged the release of detained aid staff in the region. [1]

The detentions occur amid ongoing military conflict in the region. The United States launched Operation Rough Rider in March 2025, which involved air and naval strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to protect commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The United Kingdom joined the United States in conducting strikes against Houthi targets on 30 April 2025. [2]