‘They have the right to know the truth’: UN human rights chief demands investigation into death of his staff in Houthi custody

Mohammad el Shami, a staff member of the UN human rights office in Yemen, has been arbitrarily detained by de facto Houthi authorities since June 6, 2024. His family said he died more than a month ago but was only notified recently.

“Mohammad’s family has not received any explanation about the cause or circumstances of his death – they have the right to know the truth,” said High Commissioner Volker Türk, who described the losses as extremely sad.

Records and accountability

Mr Türk called on the Houthis to disclose all relevant medical and detention records, preserve evidence and allow independent monitoring of the cause of any deaths. “There must be accountability for mistakes madehe said in a statement.

He said he was deeply concerned by the continued detention of UN personnel. including seven colleagues from his own office, as well as detained humanitarian and civil society workers. He again asked for their immediate and unconditional release.

Dozens are still detained

Mr. el Shami was reportedly detained during a wave of Houthi raids in June 2024 that killed 13 UN staff.

As of mid-October, the UN said 71 of its personnel were in Houthi custody. In June, the Secretary-General’s office said a UN colleague had died in custody.

Briefing Security Council on October 9, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said many detainees have serious health problems, making their release even more urgent.

“Under no circumstances should UN personnel be detained, let alone charged with crimes, for carrying out their important work on behalf of the Yemeni people.,” Türk said in March.

Back to full scale war

Yemen has been at war since 2014. This fighting pits the Houthi separatist group against the internationally recognized government based in Aden.

The relative calm following a UN-mediated ceasefire in 2022 has collapsed. On October 9, Grundberg told the Security Council that Yemen had “returned to full-scale war, with hostilities spreading across multiple fronts”.

United Nations Aid Coordination Office (Ocha) says more than 22 million people need help this year.

“By detaining our colleagues, the de facto government has weakened our ability to support the Yemeni people during their most serious humanitarian and human rights crisis.,” Türk said. “I urge them to change course.”