UN rights chief demands probe into death of UN staffer held by Houthis in Yemen
Nov. 1, 2026 — UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Saturday, Oct. 31, demanded an independent investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, a staff member of the UN human rights office in Yemen detained by the Houthi de facto authorities since June 6, 2024, UN News reported. His family learned of his death weeks after it happened; Türk said it has received no explanation. He called on the Houthis to disclose medical and detention records. As of mid-October, 71 UN personnel were held by the Houthis, the UN said.