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According to Türk, el Shami died more than a month ago, but his family was only recently informed of his death.
The family has received no explanation regarding the cause of death or the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Türk described the death as a devastating loss for the United Nations and called on the Houthi authorities to ensure a prompt, independent and thorough investigation.
He stressed that the investigation must establish the circumstances of el Shami’s death and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.
The UN human rights chief also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all other UN personnel held by the Houthis, including seven employees of his office, as well as detained humanitarian workers and civil society representatives.
Yemen’s prime minister condemned the death and held the Houthis fully responsible, calling for those involved to be brought to justice.
He said more than 70 UN employees and dozens of humanitarian workers remained in Houthi detention.
There was no immediate response from the Houthis to the latest allegations.
The group has previously accused detained UN personnel and humanitarian workers of belonging to an intelligence network operating on behalf of the United States and Israel.
The Houthis have also alleged that humanitarian organizations used their operations as cover for intelligence activities, although they have not provided evidence supporting those claims.
The detentions have raised concerns about the safety of international humanitarian personnel working in Yemen, where years of conflict have severely affected civilian infrastructure and access to essential services.
The Houthis seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014, triggering a Saudi-led military intervention the following year in support of the internationally recognized government.
The conflict has since divided the country, with the Houthis controlling Sanaa and large parts of northern and northwestern Yemen, while government-aligned forces hold much of the south and east.
The United Nations has repeatedly called for the release of its detained employees and humanitarian personnel, warning that their continued detention undermines efforts to assist vulnerable communities across the country.
