Berlin | 18 October 2026
Minister of Human Rights Mashdal Mohammed met with Henrik Meyer, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at Germany’s Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in human rights protection and institutional development.
The Minister expressed the Yemeni government’s appreciation for Germany’s support for Yemen, stressing the importance of continued political and humanitarian assistance to support the government’s efforts to protect the population, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and strengthen the capacity of state institutions to fulfil their responsibilities.
He praised the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung’s longstanding record and its work in Yemen, including its role in supporting dialogue and promoting democracy, peace, and social justice. He expressed the Ministry’s interest in establishing a partnership based on joint activities and exchanges of expertise, and in designating a focal point to follow up on the proposed areas of cooperation.
During the meeting, attended by Yemen’s Ambassador to Germany, Louay Al-Eryani, the Minister outlined grave violations committed by the terrorist Houthi militia, particularly child recruitment, abductions, and enforced disappearances, including the abduction of international organization personnel. He also addressed its attacks that threaten the safety of international navigation and undermine global trade.
The Minister emphasized the importance of understanding the Yemeni government’s efforts to protect the population and defend the country’s territory. He also stressed the need to deal with the Houthi militia on the basis of its terrorist nature and to work towards its designation as a terrorist organization, given its crimes against civilians and threats to security and stability.
The Minister proposed several priority areas for cooperation, including strengthening the Ministry’s capacities in human rights documentation and institutional operations; implementing programmes to protect marginalized groups; contributing to efforts to end child recruitment and support children’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society; and assisting internally displaced persons and those forcibly displaced.
For his part, Henrik Meyer welcomed the Minister and the accompanying delegation. He discussed with them the human rights situation in Yemen, the Ministry’s capacities and institutional needs, and opportunities for cooperation with the Foundation.
Undersecretary of the Ministry Nabil Abdulhafeez reviewed the history of relations with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the support it has provided, highlighting the importance of building on this relationship to strengthen cooperation in the coming period.
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is Germany’s oldest political foundation and is affiliated with the Social Democratic Party of Germany. It plays a prominent role in political dialogue and shaping perspectives on domestic and international issues, alongside its work to promote democracy, peace, and social justice.
