United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the death of a UN human rights staff member who died while in the custody of Houthi authorities in Yemen. He has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The deceased staff member, Mohammad el-Shami, worked with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). He had reportedly been arbitrarily detained by Houthi de facto authorities since June 6, 2024.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Guterres said he was deeply appalled by the death. He also extended his condolences to el-Shami’s family and colleagues at the United Nations human rights office.
The UN chief said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. According to the statement, Houthi authorities had not provided information about el-Shami’s condition or proof of life despite repeated requests from the United Nations.
The organization is now seeking urgent answers from the authorities regarding what happened during his detention. Guterres has demanded an immediate, impartial, transparent and thorough investigation to establish the facts.
The UN also highlighted that this was the second known death of a United Nations staff member while detained by Houthi authorities. A World Food Programme employee died in detention in February 2025.
Guterres described the incident as a painful reminder of the serious risks facing UN employees and humanitarian workers operating in Yemen. Several personnel continue to be held in detention, with some having spent years in custody.
