Irada Organization Discusses the Latest Human Rights Developments in Yemen with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland – 22 September 2026

Irada Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearance met with a team from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations and the other international organizations in Geneva. The meeting took place in Room 4 – CONCORDIA, Building A, at the Palais des Nations, and reviewed the latest developments in the human rights situation, as well as humanitarian and field developments in Yemen.

During the meeting, Irada Organization provided a briefing on the most significant violations it has monitored and documented, particularly those associated with the recent Houthi military escalation in the governorates of Taiz and Al Hudaydah. According to the Organization’s documentation, the escalation resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, displacement and forced displacement, and damage to civilian property and infrastructure, in addition to the targeting of camps for internally displaced persons in Marib Governorate with ballistic missiles and drones.

Irada Organization handed the Swiss Mission team three human rights reports containing the findings of its monitoring and documentation activities, as well as testimonies and information concerning serious violations committed by the Houthi militia, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, forced displacement, child recruitment, the laying of landmines, the demolition of homes, and other forms of violations.

Irada Organization also discussed the situation of humanitarian workers, the continued cases of abduction, restrictions imposed on the activities of humanitarian organizations and on the delivery of assistance to those in need, as well as documented cases of the looting and seizure of humanitarian aid.

Irada Organization reviewed field developments in the coastal areas, noting the extension of Houthi control over parts of the coastline as far as the Dhubab area near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. It also presented violations it had documented in connection with military operations in the areas of Al Mokha, Hays, and Al-Kadhah, including civilian casualties, violations against persons not taking part in hostilities, the destruction of civilian property and infrastructure, and the displacement of residents from their areas.

Irada Organization warned of the humanitarian and security repercussions of the continued escalation, particularly in areas adjacent to the Bab al-Mandab Strait and international maritime routes, and of the potential risks to civilians, food security, and regional and international stability. It stressed the importance of investigating violations, holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring the protection of civilians in accordance with international law.

The Organization also reviewed its efforts to monitor and document human rights violations and to follow up on the cases of arbitrarily detained persons, abductees, forcibly disappeared persons, and victims of torture since the Houthis took control of the capital, Sana’a, on 21 September 2014 to the present day.

It explained that it continues to work on tracing the fate of forcibly disappeared persons and those held in prisons and secret detention facilities, collecting and preserving evidence and testimonies, and preparing detailed case files concerning violations and those responsible for them, thereby supporting efforts toward legal accountability and combating impunity.

Irada Organization affirmed that the continuation of the state of “no war, no peace” over the past years has neither ended the suffering of civilians nor put a stop to violations. Rather, it has given the Houthis additional time for military preparations, alongside what the Organization has documented as attempts to impose sectarian changes and reshape the religious and sectarian identity of the population in areas under their control.

The Organization stressed that any peace process must place the rights of victims at the forefront of its priorities, including the unconditional release of detainees and abductees, disclosure of the fate of forcibly disappeared persons, an end to child recruitment and the laying of landmines, guarantees of victims’ rights to justice, redress, and reparation, and accountability for those responsible for human rights violations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Irada Organization reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its monitoring and documentation activities and its advocacy for victims’ rights, while strengthening its cooperation with United Nations mechanisms, diplomatic missions, and human rights organizations in support of accountability and justice and in order to curb impunity.

Issued by Irada Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearance

Tuesday, 22 September 2026 – Geneva, Switzerland