The Abductees’ Mothers Association met with the Minister of Human Rights, Mr. Mashdal Omar, in Aden governorate to discuss the issue of abductees, detainees, and forcibly disappeared persons. The Association called for the matter to receive serious attention and to be made a priority for the Yemeni government, particularly the Ministry of Human Rights. It also stressed the need to follow up on this file across all Yemeni governorates that are witnessing widespread human rights violations, most notably abduction, enforced disappearance, and torture.
During the meeting, the Minister of Human Rights praised the Association’s efforts, commending its role in advocating for the cause of abductees and their families, its continued solidarity with them, and its persistent work to convey the voices of abductees and their families at both the local and international levels, in a way that contributes to securing their rightful freedom. The minister affirmed that any improvement or change in the political situation in Yemen would contribute to making progress on the abductees’ file and alleviating the suffering of abductees and their families, which has now continued for more than ten years. He also indicated that efforts would be made in coordination with the Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as senior leadership, to uncover the fate of those who have been forcibly disappeared.
For its part, the Abductees’ Mothers Association stressed the necessity of holding all those involved in human rights violations accountable at all levels. It also called for cooperation with the competent judicial authorities to prosecute them, impose deterrent penalties, and work to provide redress for victims and their families.