INSAF Center for Defending Freedoms & Minorities has been following with great interest the announced political updates, the most important of which was the announcement of a ceasefire between the parties to the conflict in Yemen, as well as some progress in the issue of prisoner exchange, detainees and forcibly disappeared persons which are expected to be released, as well as allowing flights to Sana’a airport.
INSAF Center welcomes all steps that would alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people due to the ongoing seven-year conflict and hostile practices against freedoms and rights. We would like to stress the importance of everyone bearing the responsibility for upholding the ceasefire permanently, regardless of any political obstacles that may occur.
The Center would also like to stress the importance of all parties, particularly organizations and able international and local bodies, to work towards releasing all prisoners of conscience and belief, in the forefront of them kidnapped journalists and politicians, in addition to detainees from minorities, as is the case of the Jewish Yemeni citizen, Libby Salem Marhabi, who has been detained by the Houthi security forces for years, despite repeated requests and the deteriorating conditions of his family. Marhabi and many others like him are kept detained solely for their beliefs or opinions.
INSAF also welcomes the announcement of the anticipated reopening of Sana’a airport and the return of granting permits to ships heading to Hodeidah. INSAF Center stresses the importance that this step be taken in conjunction with the lifting of the siege on Taiz and the reopening of all its roads, in order to end the suffering of this city, and any other areas in Yemen, allowing citizens to move without restrictions and to alleviate the humane and economic suffering of millions.
In conclusion, the Center stresses the importance of all parties bearing responsibility for all Yemenis without discrimination and away from selectivity, as Yemeni families, including the family of Mr. Marhabi, are patiently waiting to see be reunited with their son, as do thousands of families with detained sons by the different warring parties.
