Sanaa:Yemen's human rights minister announced the death of a UN employee after over two years of abduction and enforced disappearance in Houthi custody.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Human Rights Minister Mashdal Mohammed Omar condemned the death of Mohammed Ibrahim al-Shami, an employee of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Omar stated that al-Shami had been in Houthi custody for more than two years, during which his family was denied visits or contact.
The minister held the militia fully responsible for al-Shami's abduction, enforced disappearance, and death, noting that the circumstances of his death remain unknown and his body has not yet been handed over to his family. Omar emphasized the need for the UN to uphold its responsibilities towards its abducted employees and called for a serious review of how such issues are being managed.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk described al-Shami's death as a "heartbreaking loss" and demanded an urgent, full, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Turk also renewed his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all other detained UN personnel.
The Houthis have not commented on the minister's statement. Yemen remains embroiled in conflict since the Houthis seized the capital in 2014, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.