The Abductees’ Mothers Association met with Radwa Mohamed Nour El-Din, Head of the Political Affairs Section at the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, at her office in Ma’rib Governorate to discuss the latest developments concerning the cases of abductees, detainees, and forcibly disappeared persons, as well as ways to promote practical steps toward resolving this humanitarian issue.
During the meeting, which was attended by the Association’s Vice President, Mahfouza Ahmed, and the Head of the Association’s Ma’rib branch, Sabah Humaid, the Association outlined the major challenges still facing thousands of abductees and their families. It stressed that the continued arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of victims deepen the humanitarian crisis and require more effective international action to secure the unconditional release of all detainees.
The two sides also discussed the recent agreement between the Yemeni parties, brokered by the Office of the UN Special Envoy, to implement a prisoner and detainee exchange. The Association emphasized the importance of building on this step by pursuing broader agreements that would lead to the release of all abductees, detainees, and forcibly disappeared persons, describing this as an urgent humanitarian priority that can no longer be delayed.
The meeting further addressed the humanitarian, economic, and psychological challenges faced by survivors following their release. The Association noted that years of detention leave profound and lasting effects, requiring specialized rehabilitation programs, as well as psychological, social, and economic support to facilitate survivors’ reintegration into society and help them rebuild their lives and restore their dignity.
The Association stressed that justice for victims extends beyond their release. It includes providing reparations, ensuring accountability, and holding those responsible for the violations they endured accountable in accordance with the principles of international human rights law.
For her part, the Head of the Political Affairs Section expressed appreciation for the issues raised by the Association and reaffirmed the UN Special Envoy’s Office’s continued commitment to following the detainees’ file and supporting efforts aimed at achieving meaningful progress on this humanitarian issue.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Abductees’ Mothers Association presented Radwa Mohamed Nour El-Din, Head of the Political Affairs Section at the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, with the Association’s commemorative shield in recognition of her continued engagement with the issue of abductees, her support for the Association’s efforts, and her commitment to following this humanitarian file.
The Association also expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to support initiatives aimed at securing the release of abductees. It underscored the importance of continued coordination, joint action, and sustained pressure on all parties to expedite the release of all abductees, detainees, and forcibly disappeared persons, and to bring this humanitarian issue to an end in a manner that delivers justice and redress for victims and their families.