Mohammed al-Shami passed away while detained by the Houthis, but his family was left unaware of his demise until October 30, more than a month after it took place. Although the rebel group agreed in principle to an investigation, the exact cause and timing of his death remain undisclosed. The tragedy unfolds alongside fears of severe mistreatment for more than 70 UN personnel and dozens of humanitarian workers still detained in the country, especially after a video surfaced showing a detained worker making an apparent confession.
Key points
The United Nations is demanding the immediate repatriation of Mohammed al-Shami's body al…: The United Nations is demanding the immediate repatriation of Mohammed al-Shami's body alongside an inquiry into his death.
Volker Türk has called on Houthi authorities to grant the unconditional release of all de…: Volker Türk has called on Houthi authorities to grant the unconditional release of all detained aid workers.
Emergence of an apparent confession video has heightened international concerns regarding…: Emergence of an apparent confession video has heightened international concerns regarding the torture of remaining detainees.
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The UN's human rights chief on Friday demanded the return of the body of a Yemeni staff member of his office who died of unknown causes weeks ago, after more than two years in Houthi custody.
Mohammed al-Shami's family learned of his death on 30 October, more than a month after it happened, and has received no explanation of the cause or circumstances.
Al-Shami had been held by the Houthis since 6 June 2024.
"Our colleague must be laid to rest in a dignified manner, in accordance with the wishes of his family – which was denied contact with him for two years while he was in detention," said Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights.
In a statement earlier this week, Al-Shami's family said the Houthis had agreed in principle to an investigation.
"Do not allow Mohammed to die twice: once when he was taken from his family and disappeared, and again when the truth about his fate is allowed to disappear from the world," the statement said.
More than 70 UN employees and dozens of humanitarian…
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