Mrs. Amat al-Salam al-Hajj, Chairperson of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, spoke at a side event during the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, addressing the ongoing human rights crisis in Yemen. She highlighted how the lack of accountability has led to the continuation of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances.
Al-Hajj emphasized that the conflict in Yemen, now lasting over a decade, has resulted in severe human rights violations against thousands of civilians. She explained that the warring parties have restricted civil liberties, curtailed freedom of expression, and subjected human rights defenders to violence, threats, and imprisonment.
In June alone, the Association, along with other organizations, documented the abduction of approximately 60 individuals by the Houthi group, including employees of international organizations like the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Hundreds of detainees remain in Houthi prisons, where they endure torture, inhumane treatment, and deliberate medical neglect, leading to numerous deaths.
Al-Hajj noted that the Houthi group has started accusing its opponents of espionage and treason, subjecting them to unfair trials based on confessions extracted under torture. On June 1, the group sentenced 45 individuals to death, illustrating the gravity of these atrocities.
She further emphasized that the culture of impunity has become entrenched in Yemen, enabling continued violations without consequence. The Association has documented 1,117 cases of civilians being arbitrarily detained, with 148 of them dying as a result of torture or medical neglect.
Al-Hajj also shed light on the increasing challenges faced by Yemeni women, including widespread violations of their fundamental rights and a surge in gender-based violence. She called for urgent efforts to alleviate their suffering. The Association called for the immediate release of all abductees, justice for victims, and accountability for the perpetrators of these violations.
Additionally, Al-Hajj urged the international community to push for the unconditional release of civilians detained by the Houthi group and others. She called for investigations into extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances, and the establishment of genuine monitoring over prisons and detention centers.
Lastly, Al-Hajj stressed the importance of involving victims in shaping and implementing transitional justice and reconciliation mechanisms. She also emphasized the need for the meaningful participation of women and human rights defenders in peace negotiations and processes.