New York, Nov. 1 -- The United Nations Secretary-General has condemned the death of a UN human rights staff member, Mohammad el Shami, while in the custody of Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen, and called for an immediate, impartial, transparent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In a statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, the UN chief said he was "appalled and condemns the death" of the United Nations colleague, who served with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

He added that El Shami had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities since June 6, 2024.

The Secretary-General extended his "deepest condolences...