Yemeni Investigation Committee Documents Testimonies from Over 100 Victims of Arbitrary Detention, Enforced Disappearance in Hadhramaut

Yemeni Investigation Committee Documents Testimonies from Over 100 Victims of Arbitrary Detention, Enforced Disappearance in Hadhramaut
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A Yemeni national investigative committee has documented testimony from more than 100 victims who say they were subjected to arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance in the coastal region of Hadhramaut since 2016,

The committee, formally known as the National Commission for Investigating Allegations of Human Rights Violations, said it conducted field investigations in Hadhramaut that have uncovered serious human rights abuses, including torture and cruel or degrading treatment in illegal detention centres.

The testimonies include allegations against local military and security leaders, as well as groups loyal to the Southern Transitional Council and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who victims say were involved in managing secret detention sites. The UAE Ministry of Defense has denied involvement in running detention centers in the province.

The commission, established by a 2012 presidential decree, said it will continue documenting cases, conduct legal analysis, and prepare final investigation files for referral to the judiciary. It also plans to inspect facilities that were repurposed as detention sites, some reportedly with cramped cells where detainees could barely stand.

Officials say the goal is to ensure accountability for alleged perpetrators and justice for victims, with recommendations expected to be submitted to both the Yemeni government and the UN Human Rights Council.

The committee’s work takes place amid wider documentation of human rights violations in Yemen, including arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance by multiple parties to the conflict, as reported by other rights groups.