UN demands investigation into death of UN staff member while detained by Houthis - Sarmad
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UN Commissioner calls for a thorough investigation into the death of Yemeni employee Mohammed Al-Shami while detained by the Houthis, emphasizing the need to hold those responsible accountable and release remaining detainees.
Translated by Qiyas from سرمد — Original source
On Saturday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an urgent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the death of Yemeni employee Mohammed Al-Shami, who worked at the UN High Commissioner’s office in Yemen, while he was held by the Houthis. He stressed the need to clarify the circumstances surrounding his death and hold those responsible for any violations accountable.
In a statement, Türk explained that Al-Shami had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis since June 6, 2024, noting that his family was recently informed of his death without being provided with reasons or details, despite the fact that he died more than a month ago according to information received from his family.
The High Commissioner emphasized the necessity of full transparency, the disclosure of all relevant medical and detention records, the preservation of evidence, and subjecting the stated causes of death to independent scrutiny, thereby ensuring accountability for any misconduct.
Türk also expressed deep concern over the safety of other UN staff members detained by the Houthis, including seven employees from the High Commissioner’s office, and reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.
The UN official warned that the continued detention of UN staff would seriously undermine the Organization’s ability to provide assistance to the Yemeni people amid one of the most severe humanitarian and human rights crises.
