The Minister of Human Rights discusses the human rights situation in Yemen with a U.S. mission official in Geneva.

Minister of Human Rights Discusses Human Rights Situation in Yemen with U.S. Official

Minister of Human Rights, Mashdal Omar, met today with James Merz, the U.S. Mission’s Human Rights Officer at the United Nations in Geneva. They discussed the current human rights situation in Yemen and explored ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two countries.

Support for Yemen’s Government

The meeting addressed the provision of technical and institutional support to the Yemeni government under Item Ten of the Human Rights Council. They focused on strengthening the capacities of national institutions in the areas of human rights protection, monitoring, documentation, and supporting accountability efforts for violations.

Ongoing Violations by Houthi Militias

During the meeting, Minister Mashdal praised the ongoing U.S. support for the Yemeni government and its people in various international forums. He highlighted the systematic violations and crimes committed by Houthi militias against civilians. He also discussed the implications of the recent military escalation, which includes targeting residential areas with drones and ballistic missiles, endangering civilian lives and exacerbating the internal displacement crisis.

Child Recruitment and Threats to Navigation

The minister pointed out the continued recruitment of children by the militias, the abduction of United Nations staff and international humanitarian workers, and the threats posed to international navigation and global trade in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, with support from the Iranian regime. He emphasized the humanitarian and security repercussions of these actions.

Commitment to Transitional Justice

Minister Mashdal reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s and Presidential Leadership Council’s commitment to supporting the transitional justice process and protecting the rights of victims. He emphasized the need to empower national mechanisms, particularly the National Commission to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations, to carry out their duties effectively.

Strategic Plans for Monitoring and Documentation

Nabil Abdul Hafiz, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, presented the institutional projects and strategic plans the ministry is implementing to enhance the monitoring, documentation, and field analysis system. He stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with the U.S. and international partners to support these projects and build the capacities of national personnel, law enforcement agencies, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, thereby enhancing accountability efforts.

U.S. Support for Yemen

James Merz confirmed that the U.S. continues to monitor developments in Yemen. He reiterated his country’s support for the legitimate Yemeni government and its efforts to promote the rule of law and protect human rights. He noted the ongoing coordination between the two sides to address humanitarian and security challenges and support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Yemen.

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