With deep sorrow, the Abductees’ Mothers Association mourns the loss of Najeeb Hassan Ali Fare’a Al-Onaini, who was abducted by the Houthi group on February 22, 2017, from his home in Al-Dabah, Al-Ta’iziyah District, Taiz Governorate. Najeeb was forcibly disappeared from the day of his abduction until May 18, 2024, when the International Red Cross informed his family of his death and asked them to collect his body. For over eight years, despite their continuous search, Najeeb’s family received no information about his whereabouts or condition.
The family shared with our team that they were informed of Najeeb’s death by the International Red Cross just as they were hoping for his release through negotiations. Surprisingly, the photograph of Najeeb sent to the family showed him in the same clothes and appearance as the day he was abducted, indicating that he died on the day of his abduction and remained hidden as a corpse for all these years.
The Abductees’ Mothers Association strongly condemns the abduction and forcible disappearance of Najeeb Al-Onaini. He was a victim of violence and injustice, abducted and kept hidden as a corpse for eight years, with his family kept in the dark about his fate. His death in mysterious circumstances adds to the more than 80 abductees and forcibly disappeared individuals who have died in Houthi prisons due to torture, physical liquidation, or under unexplained conditions.
We hold the Houthi group fully responsible for the death of Najeeb Hassan Ali Fare’a Al-Onaini in their custody.
We call for an international investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths of abductees and forcibly disappeared individuals in Houthi prisons, including Najeeb Al-Onaini, and to hold accountable those responsible for these crimes, which amount to war crimes. It is imperative to end the impunity of the perpetrators.
We express our deep concern over the increasing number of such crimes and violations against abducted and forcibly disappeared individuals. We urge the international community, the UN envoy, and all human rights and media organizations to pressure and work towards the immediate and unconditional release of all abductees and forcibly disappeared individuals, ensuring their safety and human rights.
The Abductees’ Mothers Association reaffirms its commitment to continuing our efforts to prevent such tragedies from recurring. We will persist in demanding the rights of all abductees and forcibly disappeared individuals and seek justice and compensation for them and their families.
Issued by the Abductees’ Mothers Association
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
