The Secretary-General is appalled and condemns the death of a United Nations colleague, Mohammad el Shami, while in the custody of the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen. The colleague, who served with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis de facto authorities since 6 June 2024.
The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and to his colleagues at OHCHR, and stands in solidarity with all detained colleagues and their families.
The circumstances surrounding this appalling tragedy remain unclear. Since his detention in June 2024, the Houthi de factoauthorities have provided neither information about his well-being nor proof of life, despite repeated requests from the United Nations. The United Nations is urgently seeking answers from the de facto authorities about the circumstances of his death.
The Secretary-General calls for an immediate, impartial, transparent and thorough investigation into his death.
This is the second death of a United Nations staff member in detention by the Houthi de facto authorities, following the death of a World Food Programme colleague in February 2025. It is a painful reminder of the grave risks faced by all UN and humanitarian personnel, who remain arbitrarily detained - some for years. Their continued detention is unacceptable and causes immense suffering to them and their families.
The Secretary-General recalls that all persons deprived of their liberty must be treated humanely and with respect for their inherent dignity and human rights. The authorities exercising custody bear full responsibility for their protection, safety, access to medical care, and physical and psychological well-being.
The Secretary-General remains gravely concerned for the safety and physical and psychological well-being of the 70 United Nations personnel, five former UN staff members, and personnel from humanitarian and civil society organizations who remain detained. He reiterates his call for their immediate and unconditional release.
