The United Nations’ human rights chief has called on the Houthis to return the body of a UN staff member who died in their custody in Yemen. Volker Turk, the high commissioner for human rights, made the demand during a statement issued on Friday. The incident involves Mohammed Ibrahim El-Shami, a Yemeni employee of the UN Human Rights Office, whose death was reported two weeks ago. Turk also raised concerns about another detained UN worker, suggesting there may have been torture leading to confessions that were recorded and shared online.
The Houthi group has not yet responded to the request, and the body of El-Shami remains in their possession. Turk emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging an immediate return of the remains. The situation has drawn international attention, with calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The incident adds to a growing list of human rights concerns in Yemen, where the conflict has been ongoing for years. The Houthis, a group based in the north of the country, have been engaged in a protracted conflict with the government and its allies. The UN has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and for the protection of civilians. This latest development highlights the continued challenges in ensuring human rights protections in the region.
