UN demands investigation into death of worker held by Houthis
UN human rights worker Mohammad El Shami, held by Yemen's Houthis since June 2024, has died in custody.
The United Nations is demanding an urgent investigation into the death of Mohammad El Shami. El Shami was a Yemeni national who worked for the UN Human Rights Office.
El Shami died more than a month ago while held by Yemen's Houthi rebels. El Shami's family was only recently informed.
The Houthis have provided no explanation of how or why he died. They have given the UN no information about his well-being.
They provided no proof he was alive throughout his detention. UN High Commissioner Volker Türk called the death devastating.
He demanded full transparency. A Yemeni government minister alleged El Shami had been tortured to death.
This remains unconfirmed. This is the second UN staff member to die in Houthi custody.
A World Food Programme worker died in February 2025.
- Volker Türk
- UN High Commissioner
- World Food Programme worker, February 2025
- Previous UN death
Why it mattersThe death highlights the severe risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones and the Houthis' pattern of detaining UN and aid staff without accountability or access to due process.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the case underscores the risks faced by all international aid workers and the challenges Australia faces in advocating for humanitarian access in Yemen.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
