News release

Yemen: ICRC supports release of 159 detainees in Sana’a

ICRC speaking to released detainee in Yemen during release operation
ICRC

Sana’a (ICRC) - Today, 159 people recently detained in connection with the ongoing conflict in Yemen were unilaterally released by authorities in Sanaa, with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Ahead of the release, ICRC delegates conducted pre-departure interviews with each detainee, informed their families of the imminent release and offered assistance to support their dignified return home. ICRC medical staff also assessed the detainees’ health, determined their fitness for road travel and arranged individual travel support for those with additional needs.

The release was initiated by the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs and does not fall under the Stockholm Agreement. The ICRC did not play any role in determining who or how many people would be released.

The ICRC remains ready, at the request of the parties, to act as a neutral intermediary in facilitating or supporting future releases, transfers and repatriations of people detained in connection with the conflict in Yemen, as it has done in previous years.

For more information, please contact:

Iscander Saeed, ICRC Sana’a: +967 730500719, ialmamari@icrc.org

Hachem Osseiran, ICRC Geneva, Tel.: +41227489674, hosseiran@icrc.org

Press Office, ICRC Geneva, Tel.: +41 22 730 34 43, press@icrc.org

Did you know...

People deprived of their liberty are protected under international humanitarian law

Even in war, people who are detained must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity. International humanitarian law sets clear rules for their protection - covering their treatment, conditions of detention and contact with their families. The ICRC visits people in detention to ensure these rights are respected. During visits, our delegates speak privately with detainees, assess conditions and share confidential recommendations with the authorities. Our goal is simple: to make sure humanity is upheld, everywhere.