In an inspiring step toward healing the wounds of society, the Abductees’ Mothers Association, in partnership with SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties and with funding from the DT Institute, organized a symposium titled “Restorative Justice: Building Bridges of Understanding for Recovery.” The event, held under the “SPARK” project to support peace in Yemen, highlighted the positive outcomes of a pioneering restorative justice initiative implemented in As-Shamayatayn District, Taiz Governorate.
A Five-Year Case Finds Resolution
The symposium spotlighted the successful resolution of the killing of Awad Ahmed Saif, a member of the marginalized community, whose case had remained unresolved for over five years. Saif was killed during armed clashes in 2020, and his body was kept in a morgue throughout this period, prolonging the grief of his family, straining the community, and heightening local tensions.
Amid the challenges of the formal judicial process and the marginalization endured by this group, restorative justice emerged as a humane and comprehensive solution. This approach emphasizes repairing harm to victims and restoring community ties through dialogue and acknowledgment of wrongdoing, rather than focusing solely on punishment.
Integrated Efforts Toward Reconciliation
Project Director Esam Al-Sabri explained that the initiative relied on three integrated tracks: legal, social, and psychological. Efforts included coordination with local and security authorities and community leaders, as well as direct dialogue between the victim’s family and the parties involved. These steps culminated in a historic reconciliation agreement that included an acknowledgment of wrongdoing by security authorities, financial compensation to the victim’s family, and a dignified funeral with official and popular participation on July 29, 2025.
Positive Impact and Renewed Hope
Speakers at the symposium underscored the value of this model in promoting social peace:
- Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj, Chairperson of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, affirmed: “Restorative justice mends the rift in society through a comprehensive, humane approach that restores dignity to victims.”
- Dr. Adel Deshela, researcher in transitional justice, noted that tribal customs can complement restorative justice given their long history in resolving local disputes. He cautioned, however, that they must not replace true justice, which addresses root causes of conflict and prevents impunity.
- Rafe’a Abdullah, a friend of the victim, reflected on the initiative’s impact: “This initiative restored the community’s faith in justice- the goal was not material, but an acknowledgment of our worth as human beings.”
Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
The As-Shamayatayn initiative demonstrated that justice can emerge from within the community, and that genuine dialogue and listening to victims are the first steps toward lasting reconciliation. A study conducted under the SPARK project found that 64.3% of Yemenis prioritize reconciliation and ending the war.
The symposium concluded by affirming that this pioneering experience offers an inspiring model for addressing unresolved cases, fostering a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation in a society exhausted by years of conflict, and nurturing hope that all Yemenis may one day live as equal citizens without distinction.
