As part of the “Supporting Peace in Yemen through Accountability, Reconciliation and Knowledge Sharing (SPARK)” project, implemented by the Abductees’ Mothers Association and SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties, with support from the DT Institute, the building of the Al-Minain Health Center in Ma’rib Governorate was officially handed over on Wednesday morning. The handover forms part of broader efforts to promote restorative justice and develop sustainable solutions to the issue of displaced families occupying public facilities.
The achievement is the result of joint efforts and ongoing coordination among relevant stakeholders, within an initiative aimed at the voluntary and humane evacuation of displaced families from government buildings. The initiative seeks to restore these facilities to their intended public service role while ensuring safe and appropriate housing alternatives that preserve the dignity of displaced families.
The evacuation was carried out voluntarily by the displaced families, following a dialogue-based process grounded in mutual understanding and consensus, without any coercion. Humanitarian organizations played a key role in facilitating the process by supporting alternative housing solutions and helping address the conditions of affected families.
The handover ceremony was attended by representatives of official and community stakeholders, including:
* Mr. Abdullah Al-Qarda’i – Representative of the Health Office
* Captain Hamoud Huraira – Security Sector Commander in Al-Minain
* Sheikh Hassan Al-Musallal – Local community elder
* Mohammed Al-Saeedi – Director of Camps Administration, Executive Unit for IDPs
* Mohammed Al-Qardhi – Community elder
* Representative of the Norwegian Refugee Council
* Mr. Tamim Al-Mua’fa – Head of the Health Office sector
* Members of the Community Consensus and Reconciliation Committee
Initiative leaders emphasized that the handover represents an important step toward strengthening social stability and reinforcing the principles of dialogue and consensus. They noted that the outcome was achieved through a structured dialogue process led by the Community Reconciliation Committee, acting as an independent and neutral civil framework that worked to bridge differences and reach consensual solutions with the approval of all parties, thereby strengthening trust between the community and official authorities.
The committee also took into account the humanitarian dimension of the issue, given the presence of families residing within a public service facility. It worked to strike a careful balance between restoring the health center to serve the public and ensuring appropriate humanitarian solutions that preserve the dignity of those families and consider their social and economic circumstances.
Organizers noted that the main challenges included balancing service delivery with humanitarian considerations, as well as building trust and improving coordination among different stakeholders. They stressed that the resolution was achieved through dialogue and consensus, reflecting a practical model for the success of community reconciliation as an effective partnership between civil society and local authorities. They further emphasized the importance of expanding community reconciliation initiatives across different governorates to ensure sustainable solutions and tangible positive impacts on people’s lives.
The handover of the health center is a practical step toward restoring health services in the area, strengthening community resilience, and supporting development and stability efforts in Ma’rib Governorate. The center is expected to serve approximately 33,000 residents from the area and surrounding communities.
