NCIAVHR and Lahj Governor Engage in High-Level Talks on Human Rights and Prison Reform

Lahj | May 20, 2025

In a significant step toward enhancing human rights protections in Yemen, the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights (NCIAVHR) convened a high-level meeting today with Lahj Governor Major General Ahmed Abdullah Al-Turki at the governorate’s local authority headquarters. The discussions centered on the evolving human rights landscape, the state of prisons and detention facilities, and the humanitarian concerns of civilians in conflict-affected areas—part of the Commission’s broader initiative of field visits across the country.

Governor Al-Turki warmly welcomed the Commission’s delegation, applauding its unwavering commitment to documenting violations and advancing accountability. He affirmed the readiness of local authorities and security institutions to fully cooperate, facilitate access to affected regions, and ensure the Commission’s researchers can engage directly with victims and inspect detention sites—particularly in frontline areas that have recently experienced renewed clashes.

Reiterating his administration’s support, the governor underscored the importance of safeguarding human dignity and adhering to both national legislation and international human rights frameworks. He pledged to back the Commission’s efforts to prevent any practices that infringe on the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Representing the Commission, Judges Sabah Al-Alwani, Ishraq Al-Maqtari, and Jihad Abdulrasoul highlighted the objectives of their mission in Lahj, which include holding strategic meetings with local officials, conducting on-site assessments of detention facilities, and visiting hard-hit districts to gather testimonies and evidence related to violations against civilians.

The delegation elaborated on the Commission’s professional methodology, outlining the rigorous standards applied in documentation, investigation, and monitoring efforts—ensuring a balanced, comprehensive, and impartial approach to human rights work across all districts of the governorate.

The meeting brought together key figures from the local security apparatus, including the Directors of Criminal Investigations, Al-Musaymir District Police, and the Central Prison. Lahj’s Chief of Security, Brigadier General Nasser Al-Shouhati, delivered a detailed briefing on measures undertaken to bolster public safety and improve prison conditions—highlighting reforms in the Criminal Investigation facility, the Central Prison, and the Fifth Brigade’s detention center, among others.

Brigadier Al-Shouhati emphasized the urgency of joint action between judicial bodies, security forces, and human rights organizations to ensure detainees’ fundamental needs are met, their dignity upheld, and legal proceedings expedited to reduce overcrowding—particularly as the summer season brings additional health risks.

This visit is part of the Commission’s ongoing national mission to monitor the human rights situation, document abuses, and promote justice in accordance with both Yemeni law and international human rights standards.