Yemen: ICRC to start preparations for release, transfer and repatriation of detainees following agreement in Amman

The positive outcome of negotiations in Amman, co-chaired by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations for Yemen and the ICRC, represents a crucial step forward.

“Today’s agreement has brought families closer to the reunifications they have been so anxiously waiting for,” said Christine Cipolla, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen. “Now that the identities of those detainees who are to be released, transferred and repatriated has been agreed, the ICRC is ready to assume its role as a neutral intermediary in implementing these complex humanitarian operations.”

In the next phase, the ICRC will require full and unhindered access to all detainees included in the agreement. This access is essential to conduct private interviews and confirm each individual’s voluntary consent to be included in the process, so as to ensure that the operations are carried out safely and with dignity for all concerned.

“We count on all parties to extend their full cooperation so that we can begin preparations to implement the agreement and ensure the process runs smoothly,” Cipolla said.

The ICRC commends the parties for reaching a common agreement. It also expresses its sincere appreciation to the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Yemen for its leading role in these intensive negotiations and extends its gratitude to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for hosting these talks.