GENEVA - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Saturday said the death in Houthi custody of Mohammad el Shami, a Yemeni colleague, was utterly devastating. The High Commissioner urged the Houthi de facto authorities to ensure a prompt investigation.
Mohammad el Shami, a staff member of the UN Human Rights Office in Yemen, had been arbitrarily held in Houthi custody since 6 June 2024. According to information provided by his family, he died more than a month ago, but his family were only recently informed.
"I extend my deepest condolences to Mohammad's family and loved ones," the High Commissioner said. "This is a heartbreaking loss for the UN Human Rights Office and the wider United Nations. Mohammad's family has not received any explanation of the cause or circumstances of his death - they deserve to know the truth."
The High Commissioner demanded full transparency from the Houthi authorities and an urgent, independent and thorough investigation into his death.
"This requires disclosure of all relevant medical and detention records, preservation of evidence and independent scrutiny of any stated cause of death. There must be accountability for wrongdoing," Türk said.
"I am also gravely concerned for the safety and wellbeing of the other UN personnel who remain detained, including seven colleagues from my Office, as well as detained humanitarian and civil society workers. I appeal again for their immediate and unconditional release."
Pending their release, the Houthi de facto authorities must ensure their safety, humane treatment, access to necessary medical care, contact with their families and access by the UN.
"No family should have to endure what our colleagues' loved ones are now facing," the High Commissioner said.
Türk added that the case raises profound concerns about the safety of UN personnel and the conditions in which the UN can maintain its presence and carry out its work in Houthi-controlled areas.
"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. I urge them to change course."
