[15/03/2026 08:07]

ADEN – SABA
Minister of Human Rights Mashdal Omar discussed Sunday, via video conference, with the Head of the European Union Mission to Yemen Ambassador Patrick Simonnet areas of cooperation on issues related to human rights.

Minister Mashdal reviewed the key priorities of the Ministry of Human Rights at the current stage, which focus on strengthening mechanisms for monitoring and documenting human rights violations in a way that supports future accountability and provides accurate information to assist decision-making.

He also highlighted efforts to support and protect the most vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, marginalized communities and refugees.

He also outlined the ministry’s vision for enhancing cooperation with international partners, foremost among them the European Union.

He pointed to several proposed initiatives, including an institutional capacity-building project for the ministry and improving the capabilities of its staff, establishing a modern national human rights database and an electronic information management system, as well as programs to enhance the protection and empowerment of women in conflict areas.


The minister stressed the importance of continuing national efforts to address a number of issues related to the file of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons, following up on reports received in this regard, and working to uncover the truth and address the consequences of these violations in a way that achieves justice for victims and their families.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting existing national mechanisms aimed at strengthening accountability in human rights domain.

For his part, Ambassador Simonnet affirmed the European Union’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights in relevant areas and the EU’s interest in maintaining support for human rights issues in Yemen.

He also outlined the features of the EU strategy in this field for the period (2021–2027) which focuses on protecting women and children in armed conflicts, strengthening support for civil society, protecting human rights defenders, supporting freedom of expression and independent media, and combating discrimination.

The EU mission team also presented a brief overview of several projects and programs funded by the European Union in Yemen, including support for documenting human rights violations, empowering women and youth, strengthening the role of civil society organizations and supporting initiatives related to independent media.

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