A high-level delegation from the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, headed by Ms. Zahra Langhi, Senior Advisor on Inclusion, visited the headquarters of the Abductees’ Mothers Association in Taiz. The delegation included Ms. Mona Luqman, National Coordinator for Inclusion, Ms. Ithar Shaibani, Inclusion Policy Officer, Mr. Ali Al-Khulaidi from the Political Affairs Section, and Ms. Abeer Beshai, Senior Staff Assistant.
The visit was part of the United Nations’ ongoing efforts to support human rights initiatives and promote women’s participation in the peace process.
During the meeting, the Association’s leadership presented an overview of its field and advocacy work, highlighting the challenges it faces amid the ongoing conflict. The Association shared its documentation reports on human rights violations, including abductions and enforced disappearances, and described the hardships endured by mothers and wives of abductees while attempting to visit their loved ones in prisons and detention centers.
It also outlined the activities of the “Save the Abductees” campaign, which calls for urgent action to resolve the detainees’ file and secure their unconditional release by all parties. The Association emphasized the importance of UN agencies’ support for the release of all abducted and forcibly disappeared persons.
Showcasing Achievements and Projects
The Association gave the UN delegation a detailed presentation on its humanitarian and community projects, including a newly developed “Map of Violations Against Women” and five governmental and community dialogue sessions aimed at promoting restorative justice and local peace mediation.
It also highlighted specialized training programs on legal protection, psychosocial support, and human rights documentation, involving researchers and activists from civil society organizations.
Additionally, the Association discussed its project to establish safe inspection rooms for women in detention centers, implemented in cooperation with local authorities in northern Taiz, as part of its broader efforts to protect women and ensure dignity and safety during security procedures.
Warm Welcome and Recognition
In her remarks, Dr. Zahra Langhi expressed her delight at the visit, noting that she had not anticipated such a high level of achievement and warm reception. She extended her appreciation to the Association and to civil society activists in Taiz and across Yemen, acknowledging that “their impact has extended beyond Yemen to the broader Middle East.”
She stated, “Despite its hardships, Taiz stands as a model of civic peace and community awareness in Yemen, and it remains a key gateway to any comprehensive and lasting peace.”
Dr. Langhi praised the efforts of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, describing it as “a true humanitarian voice that embodies the struggle of mothers for justice.” She reaffirmed the UN Envoy’s Office’s commitment to supporting these efforts and strengthening partnerships with local organizations in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Honoring the UN Advisor
At the conclusion of the visit, the Chairperson of the Abductees’ Mothers Association presented Dr. Zahra Langhi with a shield of appreciation in recognition of her courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights in conflict zones, promoting community dialogue, and supporting victims of human rights violations. The award also celebrated her efforts to build partnerships with women-led civil society organizations in Yemen and across the region.
The Association’s Chairperson affirmed that the visit represented a significant moral boost for continuing their human rights and humanitarian mission, commending the Office of the UN Envoy for its responsiveness to the Association’s appeals and messages advocating for the release of abductees and justice for their families.
Part of the UN’s Broader Engagement Efforts
This visit comes as part of a series of field meetings carried out by the Office of the UN Special Envoy to support the political process in Yemen, strengthen peacebuilding pathways, and broaden inclusion and local participation, particularly through engaging women and diverse community groups. These meetings aim to listen to local voices, document perspectives on peace priorities, and enhance the role of women in building a sustainable and balanced society.
