The key facts

  • The UN records an increase in attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Yemen
  • The death of UN staff member al-Shami in Houthi detention became known two weeks ago
  • High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk demanded that the circumstances of the death be established and detained staff be released

Rising civilian casualties

Deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq expressed concern on Friday over the increasing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure across Yemen. According to him, drones, missiles, airstrikes and shelling are striking areas that were previously considered safe. Haq noted that civilians, including children, are being killed and wounded in hospitals, markets and their own homes. “This is a troubling trend, and it must not become an accepted reality of this war,” he said, stressing that all parties to the conflict are obliged to comply with international law under any circumstances.

Death of a UN staff member in detention

Haq also reported the death of UN staff member Mohammed Ibrahim al-Shami, who had been in Houthi custody: the organization learned of his death two weeks ago. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk demanded that the body be returned to the family immediately and called on the Houthi de facto authorities to urgently establish the date, cause and circumstances of the death, as well as to hold those responsible accountable. The UN once again called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN and humanitarian organization staff.