Sana'a: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Jamal Amer has called on the international community to address the situation of Yemeni expatriates detained in Saudi Arabia. In a series of letters addressed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Trk; the President of the UN Human Rights Council, J¶rg Lauber; and the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope, the minister highlighted the urgent need for intervention.
According to Yemen News Agency, the letters sent by Minister Amer focus on the humanitarian and legal challenges faced by a significant number of Yemeni expatriates detained in Saudi Arabia. These issues are compounded by the ongoing difficult circumstances in Yemen and the resulting negative impacts on Yemeni expatriates globally.
The communications from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates underline numerous reports from citizens, families, and civil society organizations, documenting alleged human rights violations against Yemeni expatriates in Saudi Arabia. These include arbitrary detentions, lack of formal charges, and failure to conduct trials within a reasonable timeframe as per international legal standards.
Additionally, the letters stress that some detainees continue to be held even after serving their full sentences. Thousands of Yemenis reportedly remain in Saudi prisons due to complex administrative processes or lack of sponsorship, leading to severe humanitarian and economic issues for their families. Yemeni diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia also face obstacles in accessing detainees and providing them with necessary support.
Minister Amer indicated that the current practices contravene fundamental human rights and international law, worsening the plight of Yemenis already suffering from the consequences of conflict and blockade. These actions represent violations of international principles concerning personal liberty, security, and fair trial rights.
The Foreign Minister expressed trust in the UN bodies and the International Organization for Migration to protect and assist migrants and displaced individuals. He urged these organizations to press Saudi authorities for the immediate release of Yemeni detainees held arbitrarily or post-sentence, in alignment with international obligations.
Minister Amer also called for ensuring that detained Yemenis receive legal representation and consular support, aligned with international human rights standards. He further requested the deployment of assessment teams to inspect detention conditions and offer recommendations to protect the rights of Yemeni expatriates in Saudi Arabia.