We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the horrific human rights violations in Yemen, which have led to the tragic death of the mother of abductee Rabab Al-Madwahi. She passed away in grief, heartbreak, and anguish over her daughter, who remains detained in Houthi prisons. Her death followed prolonged suffering due to the uncertainty of her daughter’s fate and the psychological torment she endured.
Ms. Rabab Al-Madwahi was abducted by the Houthis in June 2024 as part of a widespread campaign targeting numerous employees of United Nations offices and embassies under fabricated espionage charges. These repressive practices threaten innocent lives and constitute a flagrant violation of human rights and international law.
We also strongly condemn the death of Mr. Ahmed Ba’alawi, a humanitarian worker with the World Food Programme, who died in Sa’ada as a result of brutal torture. This tragic event serves as a painful reminder of the grave violations committed against humanitarian workers and international staff in Yemen.
The Houthis’ ongoing acts of torture and detention in inhumane conditions, along with their denial of detainees’ communication with their families or access to visits, represent serious human rights violations and blatant defiance of international law and the global community.
Therefore, we call for the following:
1. An immediate and independent international investigation into all cases of arbitrary detention and deaths resulting directly from imprisonment or indirectly due to the suffering caused by these detentions, as in the case of Ms. Rabab Al-Madwahi’s mother.
2. The immediate release of abductee Rabab Al-Madwahi and all innocent detainees unjustly held by the Houthis, ensuring their psychological and physical well-being.
3. A thorough and independent investigation into the death of humanitarian worker Ahmed Ba’alawi in Sa’ada, holding those responsible for his torture and death accountable and ensuring justice for all victims of such violations.
4. A comprehensive review of the Houthis’ inhumane practices, particularly their detention and torture of international organization staff, ensuring their right to work in a safe environment and maintain communication with their families while receiving necessary support.
5. The immediate imposition of comprehensive international sanctions on those responsible for these violations, especially Houthi leaders, who perpetrate torture, killings, and threats to humanitarian stability in Yemen.
6. A strong call on the United Nations and its humanitarian organizations to exert maximum pressure on the Houthis to cease these violations, protect civilians and humanitarian workers, and ensure their adherence to international human rights standards.
The death of Rabab Al-Madwahi’s mother, along with the tragic loss of Ahmed Ba’alawi, must serve as an urgent wake-up call for the international community to take immediate action to end these horrific violations and ensure justice for the victims’ families. We urge the United Nations and international organizations to act swiftly to protect human rights in Yemen and put an end to these crimes.
Signatories:
1. INSAF Center for Rights and Development
2. Association Ma’onah for Human Rights
3. Giving Hands Development Foundation
4. Musaala Organization for Human Rights
5. Adam Anti-Racism Organization
6. Association for the Advancement and Development of Women and Children
7. SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties
8. AWSF – Al-Amal Cultural and Social Women’s Foundation
9. Al-Raga Foundation for Development and Humanitarian Work
10. Aden Youth Foundation
11. Tomorrow Makers Foundation
