NCIAVHR Conducts Field Visit to Socotra Archipelago Governorate

Hadibo | 26 January 2026

On Monday, the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights (NCIAVHR) held a meeting with local authorities in the Socotra Archipelago Governorate’s Hadibo District as part of its fieldwork mission. The visit aimed to assess the human rights, humanitarian, and security situation and to examine several related issues.

Raed Mohammed Nasser, Acting Governor of Socotra, emphasized the significance of the visit amid Yemen’s current challenges, highlighting its role in identifying residents’ needs, especially in the health and education sectors.

Nasser pointed out that the upcoming monsoon season likely will worsen residents’ suffering, as Socotra, particularly Abd al-Kuri and Samhah islands, faces increased isolation affecting access to basic services.

Deputy Head of the Commission, Judge Hussein Al-Mashdali, outlined key follow-ups and observations regarding human rights protection in Socotra, including civil rights, freedoms, education, health, employment, the prohibition of arbitrariness, and environmental rights.

The meeting also addressed violations related to environmental rights and their impact on international agreements like the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, noting Socotra Island’s status as a protected natural site.

Participants included Judge Nasser Al-Awthali, Judge Mohammed Tulyan, Judge Ishraq Al-Muqtari, the Advisor to the Minister of Interior, the Director of Joint Military Operations, the Commander of the Special Forces, the Director of Legal Affairs for the governorate, the Deputy Director of the Archipelago Police, and the Ministry of Human Rights Coordinator. They discussed the conditions and needs of faculty and students at Archipelago University, along with employees of local service institutions.

After the meeting, the Commission members, accompanied by Judge Murshid Ba’arefah, President of the Socotra Court of Appeal, inspected the Central Prison in Hadibo. They reviewed inmate conditions, which included seventeen detainees and prisoners, and received information about their legal status.