Riyadh | 10 June 2026
The Minister of Human Rights, Mashdal Mohammed Omar, met today, Wednesday, with the United States Ambassador to Yemen, Stephen Fagin, to discuss a number of human rights and humanitarian issues of mutual concern, foremost among them the situation of abductees and detainees held by the Houthi terrorist militia, including U.S. Embassy employees who have been detained for several years.
During the meeting, the Minister outlined the Ministry of Human Rights’ priorities in the areas of protecting rights and freedoms, strengthening monitoring and documentation mechanisms, and supporting the groups most in need of protection. The two sides also discussed the situation of migrants and the humanitarian challenges associated with migration and asylum issues in Yemen, as well as ways to enhance coordination and cooperation in support of national efforts aimed at protecting their rights.
The meeting further addressed the grave violations committed by the Houthi terrorist militia against civilians, particularly the continued campaigns of abduction and arbitrary detention, systematic violations against women and children, and the escalating recruitment of children and their deployment to frontlines. These practices were highlighted as serious violations of international laws and conventions related to the protection of children.
The Minister stressed the importance of continuing international efforts to exert pressure for the release of all abductees and arbitrarily detained persons, particularly U.S. Embassy employees, and to put an end to violations committed against civilians, thereby contributing to the promotion of human rights, justice, and redress for victims.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister commended the level of cooperation between the Ministry of Human Rights and the United States Embassy, expressing his appreciation for the efforts made by Ambassador Stephen Fagin during his tenure in Yemen and wishing him success in his future assignments.
