Yemeni UN Worker Dies in Houthi Custody, International Demands Probe
The UN demands an independent investigation following the death of a Yemeni staffer held in Houthi detention after two years of arbitrary imprisonment.
POLICY WIRE — Sanaa, Yemen — A Yemeni employee working for the United Nations Human Rights Office has passed away while in the custody of Houthi authorities following a detention lasting over two years.
The UN human rights chief announced the death on Saturday, noting that the individual had been held arbitrarily during that entire period.
Reports indicate the family of the deceased worker was not informed of the passing until several weeks after the event had already occurred.
The Secretary-General has issued a formal call for an immediate, impartial, transparent, and thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
This incident marks the second instance of a United Nations staff member dying while detained by the Houthi de facto authorities.
The previous fatality involved a colleague from the World Food Programme who died in custody in February 2025.
International observers are now pushing for a full independent investigation as well as the immediate release of other individuals currently being held by the group.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
