Mwatana Demands an Investigation to Disclose the Circumstances of the Death of Colleague Mohammed Al-Shami and Hold Those Responsible Accountable

Mwatana for Human Rights demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mohammed Al-Shami, a staff member of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Yemen. Al-Shami passed away while being subjected to enforced disappearance by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group authorities, following over two years of arbitrary detention since June 6, 2024.

Mwatana noted that a statement by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres—based on information from Al-Shami's family—indicated that he had died more than a month before his death was officially announced, and that his family was only recently notified. According to his family, throughout his enforced disappearance which exceeded two years, they were completely barred from visiting him or checking on his well-being until they suddenly received the news of his passing.

Mwatana emphasized that the failure to disclose the causes and circumstances of the death, coupled with the delayed notification of his family, deprives them of their right to truth, necessitates the determination of liability, and requires holding all those proven to be involved accountable.

Mwatana added that Al-Shami’s death, as the third humanitarian worker to die while in the custody of the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group authorities, underscores once again the gravity of arbitrary detention and the associated gross violations inflicted upon detainees and their families, amid the deprivation of liberty and the total absence of legal safeguards necessary for their protection. Furthermore, this death highlights the severe risks faced by individuals detained extrajudicially, as well as the profound humanitarian repercussions of these ongoing violations. The impact of such practices is not confined to the victims alone, but extends to their families and colleagues, severely undermining the working environment for humanitarian and human rights operations.

While expressing its deepest condolences and sympathy to Al-Shami’s family, relatives, UN colleagues, and humanitarian workers, Mwatana renews its demand for the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all detainees in their custody, including UN staff, humanitarian workers, and civil society members, and to guarantee the safety of those who remain detained. Mwatana also reiterates its call for the release of all persons extrajudicially detained by all parties to the conflict in Yemen.

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