On June 26th, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, hundreds of abductees and forcibly disappeared persons are subjected to the most brutal methods of physical and psychological torture around Yemen, with no deterrents against violating parties and torture conductors at prisons and detention centers.
More than 2070 abductees and detainees, including 5 women, have been physically and psychologically tortured by Houthi armed group, military and security organizations, or the government. Most used torture methods are;
– Sexual assault
– Scorching
– Beating using sharp objects and cables
– Electrocution
– Suspension for days
– Threatening of execution
– Defaming using different media platforms
Repeated torture sessions have resulted in many permanent injuries, physically and psychologically, among abductees and detainees. The association’s figures have documented the following; 8 cases of paralysis, 7 cases of stroke, 10 cases of mental and emotional disorders, 7 cases of chronic renal impairment, 7 cases of vision impairment, and 3 cases of hearing impairment. Besides, physical torture has resulted in the death of 81 civilian abductees and detainees.
Moreover, torture victims can no longer live their lives normally, due to the threats and pressure they receive stopping them from giving any statements or demanding compensations.
Abductees and detainees are also victims of medical care negligence which has resulted in the death of 14 individuals. While COVID-19 continues to spread in prisons, abducting parties refuse to admit to any cases of the diseases in prisons.
As the world celebrates International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we, at Abductees’ Mothers Association and Defense Foundation for Rights and Freedom, call upon United Nations’ Secretary-General and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment urging them to;
1- Grant the victims and witnesses the needed protection due to constant threats sent by warring parties.
2- Bring culprits of torture and extrajudicial killings to justice.
3- Activate the roles of the United Nations agencies in order to fulfill their duties by providing the necessary medical and psychological support for the victims and their families.
4- Compel warring parties to stop the practice of torture, abide by the International Humanitarian Law and the International Human Rights Law, and provide the fair compensations for the victims and their families.
5- Pressure Human Rights Ministry to document and monitor torture crimes conducted by all parties.
6- Urge the National Committee to investigate the torture crimes and prosecute perpetrators fairly.
Issued by Abductees’ Mothers Association and Defense Foundation for Rights and Freedom
– June 26th, 2020