[02/11/2026 12:06]

NEW YORK-SABA

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed shock and condemned the death of UN staff member Mohammed al-Shami, who worked for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, while being held in Houthi militia custody.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement that the circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear. He noted that the Houthi militia had provided no information about al-Shami's health or proof that he was alive since his arrest, despite repeated requests from the United Nations.

He said the UN was urgently seeking answers about the circumstances of his death, adding that this was the second time a UN staff member had died in Houthi detention, following the death of a colleague from the World Food Programme in February 2025.

Guterres stressed that the Houthi militia bears full responsibility for the safety and protection of detainees, including ensuring their access to medical care and safeguarding their physical and mental well-being.

He also emphasized that all persons deprived of their liberty must be treated humanely, with their dignity and rights respected.

The Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the continued detention of 70 current and five former UN personnel, as well as members of humanitarian and civil society organizations, renewing his call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Guterres called for an immediate, independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding al-Shami's death.

Dujarric said al-Shami had been arbitrarily detained since June 6, 2024, and that the Houthi militia had provided no information about his well-being or proof of life despite repeated UN requests.

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