Aden | 8 April 2026
Minister of Human Rights, Mashdal Mohammed Omar, met today in the temporary capital, Aden, with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Yemen, Jeannette Seppen, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support the Ministry’s efforts in the areas of institutional capacity-building and the development of human rights work.
During the meeting, attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, Nabil Abdulhafeedh, and First Secretary for Rule of Law at the Dutch Mission, Jente Veldman, the Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Dutch side, highlighting the depth of the historical relations through which the Kingdom of the Netherlands has supported the Ministry of Human Rights since its establishment. He expressed his hope for the restoration of this supportive role in a manner that contributes to developing institutional performance and enhancing the efficiency of national personnel.
Minister Mashdal reviewed the Ministry’s priorities for the coming period, which focus on consolidating the principles of governance and transparency and strengthening credibility in addressing human rights issues, in line with Yemen’s international obligations and in a manner that enhances its presence in international forums.
He also addressed a package of strategic projects being undertaken by the Ministry, foremost among them the preparation of the National Human Rights Strategy through 2030 and the project to develop the monitoring and documentation system, contributing to improving data quality and establishing an accurate information database to support the preparation of national and international reports.
During the meeting, the Minister stressed the need to intensify international pressure to secure the release of detainees and abductees held by the terrorist Houthi militia, particularly United Nations personnel, and to put an end to their suffering.
The meeting also reviewed measures taken by the government in the area of law enforcement, including the closure of unofficial detention facilities in several governorates and the referral of cases to the competent judicial authorities, alongside ongoing efforts to relocate military camps outside cities to protect civilians and enhance stability.
The Minister affirmed the Ministry’s determination to prepare the mid-term report of the Universal Periodic Review by the end of this year, reiterating the government’s openness to cooperation with international mechanisms, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, within the framework of technical support and capacity-building.
For her part, the Dutch Ambassador affirmed her country’s interest in supporting the Yemeni government’s efforts in the field of human rights, emphasizing the importance of enhancing transparency, developing institutional capacities, and continuing coordination with the Ministry in a manner that contributes to achieving tangible progress in this field.
