Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council member, Gen. Sultan al-Aradah, discusses Red Cross humanitarian projects in Yemen.

Today, Major General Sultan al-Arada, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and Governor of Marib, met with Freya Rady, Head of Operations for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Yemen. The two discussed the ICRC’s ongoing humanitarian interventions and projects, exploring opportunities to expand these initiatives and strengthen humanitarian partnerships in the coming phase.

Acknowledgment of Humanitarian Efforts

During the meeting, Major General al-Arada praised the ICRC’s vital role in providing humanitarian assistance across various essential sectors. He recognized the organization’s previous contributions, particularly in facilitating prisoner exchanges that took place in Yemen over the past few years.

Al-Arada urged the ICRC to take on a more significant role in completing the exchange of all prisoners and detainees based on a comprehensive “all for all” principle. He also emphasized the importance of visiting detainees held by the Houthis to assess their humanitarian and health conditions, provide necessary support, and enable communication with their families.

Focus on Marib and Displaced Populations

The Governor welcomed the ICRC’s plans to expand its humanitarian efforts in liberated provinces, especially in Marib, which currently hosts over 60% of the country’s displaced population. He stressed the need for humanitarian partners to focus on implementing sustainable developmental projects that alleviate citizens’ suffering and contribute to recovery.

Strengthening Humanitarian Partnerships

Freya Rady, in response, expressed gratitude for Major General al-Arada’s support in facilitating the ICRC’s humanitarian work in Marib and at the national level. She updated the Governor on her discussions with several government ministers regarding partnerships in various humanitarian areas where the ICRC is involved in Yemen. Rady highlighted that her visit to Marib aimed to evaluate the ICRC’s projects and interventions and explore possibilities for expansion based on local priorities.

Attendees of the Meeting

The meeting also included Dr. Abdurrahman Muftah, Deputy Governor of Marib, and Abdurrahman Halais, Assistant Director-General of the Governor’s Office.

This collaboration between the Yemeni leadership and the International Committee of the Red Cross underscores a commitment to addressing humanitarian needs and enhancing recovery efforts in a region significantly affected by conflict.

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