The Abductees’ Mothers Association, in partnership with SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties, launched a field study titled “The Pathway to Peace” during a discussion seminar held on Thursday, April 24, via Zoom. The study explores the local community’s vision regarding the implementation of transitional justice and national reconciliation to support peace in Yemen.
The seminar brought together experts and human rights activists who discussed the priority of redressing victims as a pivotal step toward achieving national reconciliation and building a more just future. The event was part of the “SPARK” program, supported by the DT Institute.
Opening the seminar, Mrs. Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj, Chairperson of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, welcomed participants and emphasized that transitional justice is essential for sustainable peace in Yemen. She stated that ignoring the legacy of violations would prevent any genuine transition to a secure future, adding that victims must be heard, respected, and involved in shaping justice mechanisms according to their needs. Al-Hajj stressed that transitional justice must recognize victims’ suffering, provide reparations, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure non-repetition to establish real, lasting peace.
She also called on civil society organizations and activists to serve as bridges between victims and decision-makers, emphasizing the need for a flexible approach that promotes reconciliation without neglecting accountability. Al-Hajj highlighted the growing public awareness of transitional justice, urging human rights advocates and media professionals to fulfill their responsibility in spreading knowledge and promoting community education.
Mr. Firas Hamdouni, Director of Yemen Programs at the DT Institute, affirmed that the Justice for Yemen Pact Alliance, comprising ten civil society organizations, began its work by documenting human rights violations according to international standards and has since evolved into a strong advocacy platform. He noted the launch of a training initiative targeting over 150 participants and announced restorative justice initiatives and preparations for an international transitional justice conference next year. Hamdouni stressed that transitional justice in Yemen is not merely technical but central to recovery and sustainable peace.
Senior researcher Dan Wilkowski of the DT Institute presented the study’s methodology, which relied on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions across six Yemeni governorates. The study aimed to determine victims’ priorities for justice and reparations, explore civil society perspectives on appropriate transitional justice mechanisms, and assess the readiness of organizations to participate in designing and implementing these mechanisms.
The seminar presented the main findings of “The Pathway to Peace”, prepared by members of the Justice for Yemen Pact Alliance, the Abductees’ Mothers Association and SAM Organization, with funding from the DT Institute. The study sought to understand Yemeni perceptions of transitional justice and gather the views of victims and experts.
Key results showed that 79% of participants had either suffered direct violations or had family members who did, illustrating the depth of the humanitarian crisis and the profound psychological and social impacts on victims.
The discussion addressed several key issues, including implementing mechanisms for victim compensation, the role of official institutions, the challenges in implementing transitional justice as well as the importance of involving victims and marginalized groups in shaping solutions.
Participants debated reconciliation versus accountability priorities and discussed the role of local and international actors in supporting Yemen’s human rights path. Challenges facing Yemeni civil society, such as funding shortages, lack of protection, and the need for greater capacity in documentation and advocacy, were highlighted, along with the importance of engaging tribal and traditional leaders where appropriate.
The seminar concluded by emphasizing several recommendations from the study, notably:
Incorporating transitional justice principles into any future political settlement.
Establishing independent national bodies for redress and compensation.
Strengthening the role of victims as active participants in the peacebuilding process.
Speakers agreed that the event represents a step in a broader effort to promote human rights dialogue and knowledge-sharing among local and international actors to secure a more just and stable future for Yemen.
Closing the event, Mr. Tawfiq Al-Humaidi, Head of SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties, stressed that transitional justice is not a political option but a legal and moral duty toward victims. He called on all Yemeni parties to uphold transitional justice principles to prevent further violations and to build a new Yemen founded on justice, accountability, and human rights.