Geneva | 4 October 2026
Minister of Human Rights, Mashdal Mohammed, met with the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Antje Leendertse, to discuss the latest developments in the human rights situation in Yemen, the repercussions of the recent military escalation by the terrorist Houthi militias, and ways to strengthen cooperation in supporting the Ministry’s efforts and building its institutional capacities.
During the meeting, held at the headquarters of the German Mission, the Minister praised Germany’s continued support for Yemen in the areas of humanitarian assistance, human rights protection, and peacebuilding, affirming the Yemeni government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in ways that contribute to protecting civilians, alleviating their suffering, and supporting national institutions concerned with human rights.
The Minister reviewed the impact of the Houthi escalation in Taiz Governorate, the western coastal districts of Taiz and Hodeidah governorates, Marib, and Al-Dhalea, the significant increase in the number of displaced persons, and the violations suffered by civilians in areas overrun by the terrorist Houthi militias, which have exacerbated humanitarian needs in the affected areas.
The meeting addressed the continued recruitment of children, abduction of civilians, enforced disappearance, and the abduction of dozens of United Nations personnel and staff of humanitarian and civil society organizations, as well as subjecting them to unlawful trials. The Minister called for intensified international pressure on the terrorist Houthi militias to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all abductees and to end violations against civilians.
Undersecretary of the Ministry, Nabil Abdulhafeedh, reviewed efforts to develop monitoring, documentation, and reporting mechanisms, cooperation with United Nations mechanisms and Special Rapporteurs, and plans to prepare the National Human Rights Strategy. He emphasized the importance of supporting training and capacity-building programs, strengthening the capacities of Ministry personnel, and enhancing their cooperation with civil society organizations and human rights defenders.
For her part, Ambassador Antje Leendertse affirmed her country’s continued support for the Yemeni government and efforts aimed at improving the human rights situation, alleviating humanitarian suffering, and supporting de-escalation efforts and the restoration of stability in Yemen.
