The Minister of Human Rights discusses with the Assistant High Commissioner the protection of refugees, displaced persons, and migrant recruitment risks.

Minister of Human Rights Discusses Refugee Protection and Risks of Migrant Recruitment

The Minister of Human Rights, Mashdal Omar, met today with the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Edem Wosornu, to discuss enhancing the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons in Yemen. They focused on supporting the government’s efforts to alleviate the burdens of hosting these populations and addressing the risks posed by the Houthi militia’s exploitation of migrants for recruitment and involvement in combat.

Humanitarian Needs and Emergency Response

The meeting addressed the escalating humanitarian needs of displaced individuals due to the recent Houthi militia escalation. The Minister emphasized the urgent need to support emergency responses in displacement areas.

Ongoing Challenges in Yemen

Minister Mashdal highlighted that Yemen continues to receive refugees and migrants from the Horn of Africa, despite the burdens of war, economic crisis, and increasing internal displacement. He noted that the number of refugees and migrants in the country has surpassed 400,000, creating mounting pressure on essential services and humanitarian response capabilities. This situation necessitates international support that aligns with the scale of these challenges.

Risks of Exploitation by Houthi Militias

Mashdal warned against the Houthi militia’s exploitation of African migrants, including their recruitment and use as human shields in combat. He stressed the need to strengthen protection mechanisms against recruitment and human trafficking, as well as to combat practices that endanger their lives and safety.

Government Efforts and Commitments

The Minister reviewed the government’s efforts to activate the National Committee for Refugee Affairs and to monitor Yemen’s commitments made at the Global Refugee Forum. He also discussed the project to reactivate the National Committee for the Prevention of Human Trafficking, which aims to enhance institutional coordination and protect victims.

Challenges in Coastal Areas

In this context, Nabil Abdul Hafiz, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Rights and Deputy Chairman of the National Committee for Refugee Affairs, outlined the challenges associated with Yemen’s extensive coastlines. He highlighted the committee’s needs in registration and capacity building to enhance response mechanisms and implement the ten commitments.

International Support and Partnership

For her part, Wosornu expressed appreciation for Yemen’s continued reception of refugees despite the humanitarian and economic challenges it faces. She emphasized the importance of supporting Yemen’s efforts and strengthening partnerships with the Yemeni government to provide protection and improve the conditions of refugees.

Wosornu underscored the necessity of maintaining the civil and humanitarian nature of asylum, continuing cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights and the National Committee for Refugee Affairs, supporting the residents of Al-Kharaz camp, and working on mobilizing the necessary international funding.

To follow the news in Arabic