Minister of Human Rights Discusses Strengthening Cooperation with the Italian Ambassador on Human Rights Protection

Riyadh | 8 June 2026
The Minister of Human Rights, Mashdal Mohammed Omar, met today, Monday, with the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Yemen, Carlo Baldocci, at the Embassy of Yemen in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of human rights protection.
The meeting addressed the conditions of the groups most in need of protection, particularly detainees, women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees. The two sides also discussed ways to support national efforts aimed at promoting their rights and improving protection mechanisms and responses to their humanitarian and human rights needs.
The parties explored opportunities for future cooperation between the Ministry of Human Rights and relevant Italian institutions, as well as programs and projects that could contribute to supporting the Ministry’s efforts, strengthening human rights protection, and enhancing training, capacity-building, and professional development initiatives in line with national priorities in this field.
During the meeting, Minister Mashdal reviewed the current human rights situation in Yemen amid the ongoing violations committed by the Houthi terrorist militias. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to developing programs and projects aimed at strengthening the protection of rights and freedoms and expanding partnerships with the international community.
Minister Mashdal emphasized that the Yemeni government attaches great importance to the human rights agenda and is working to integrate human rights considerations across national policies and programs. He also highlighted the importance of international partners’ support for national efforts to protect civilians and strengthen institutional capacities.
For his part, Ambassador Baldocci reaffirmed Italy’s support for the Yemeni government’s efforts to promote and protect human rights. He commended the work of the Ministry of Human Rights in monitoring human rights issues and advancing the principles of rights and freedoms protection. The Ambassador also expressed Italy’s readiness to explore new avenues of cooperation and partnership with the Ministry, contributing to the promotion of fundamental rights and sustainable development in Yemen.
The meeting was also attended by Ms. Serena Tonelli, Second Secretary at the Italian Embassy.