INSAF Center for Defending Rights and Minorities met with Dr. Scott Weiner and Hilary Miller, representatives of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) at their headquarters in Washington, DC, during their visit to the United States capital in September 2023.
The meeting discussed the most important human rights issues concerning religious minorities in Yemen, and how to promote and protect them, as well as promoting the values of tolerance and religious rights in society, and peaceful coexistence between religions.
During the meeting, the chairperson of INSAF, Eman Homaid, explained the difficult situation facing religious minorities in Yemen, and the violations they are exposed to in the absence of legal protection for these groups.
She referred in particular to the forced displacement of the Jewish and Baha’i communities and the confiscation of money and property by the Houthis, in addition to the targeting of the Ismaili community by extremist groups. She also touched on the case of Libby Salem Marhabi, who has entered his eighth year in Houthi prisons. Who have held control over the capital, Sanaa, since the end of 2014.
During the meeting, Homaid raised the issue of religious minorities, as they are the weakest link in a country full of religious, social, and cultural complexities, especially during the current conflict that has exacerbated their suffering.
Opinions and experiences were also exchanged on issues of promoting freedom of religion and religious expression, achieving equality in multi-religious societies, and reviewing the challenges facing religious rights in the modern era.
These meetings reflect the INSAF’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and peaceful coexistence and promoting the values of tolerance and mutual respect between different religions.
