In a landmark step toward advancing justice and reconciliation in Yemen, the Abductees’ Mothers Association and SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties, with the support of the DT Institute, announced the launch of the “Forum of Transitional Justice Ambassadors.”
The announcement came during a widely attended virtual seminar that brought together leading human rights experts, activists, victims, and civil society representatives to highlight transitional justice as a cornerstone for building lasting peace in the country.

The seminar, moderated by Judge Eshraq Al-Maqtari, opened with a welcoming of participants and the affirmation that this event represents a long-awaited milestone for those concerned with human rights and victims’ issues in Yemen.

Forum Vision: Victims’ Voices at the Heart of Justice

Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj, Chairperson of the Abductees’ Mothers Association and recipient of the International Women of Courage Award, described the forum as a “dream come true” and an independent national platform aimed at paving the way toward peace grounded in justice. She said: “Peace will come, sooner or later, but it must be accompanied by transitional justice that redresses victims and holds perpetrators accountable.”
She stressed that the forum will serve as a unifying space for victims, activists, experts, and decision-makers to promote accountability and advance social reconciliation.

The Association presented the forum’s vision and objectives in detail, explaining that it aspires to “a Yemen that recovers from the tragedies of the past through a process of transitional justice that ensures fairness for victims and reinforces the principle of no impunity.”
The forum’s main objectives include raising awareness, providing psychological and legal support to victims, advocating for justice mechanisms, and fostering community reconciliation.

The Role of Civil Society and a Victim-Centered Approach

Firas Hamdouni, Yemen Programs Director at the DT Institute, highlighted the pivotal role of civil society organizations. He pointed to the “Justice for Yemen Pact Alliance,” a coalition of ten organizations working to document violations and preserve collective memory. He emphasized that the relationship between victims and civil society “is not one of conflicting interests, but of complete alignment on the goal of achieving justice,” underlining the importance of documentation, advocacy, and awareness in supporting the justice process.

Dr. Obeid Al-Obeid, international expert and human rights advisor, gave an in-depth presentation on the “victim-centered approach to justice.” He explained that victims “are not mere statistics, but individuals, families, and communities who have borne the burdens of war.” He stressed their non-negotiable rights to truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence, and called for victims to be transformed from “passive recipients of care into genuine partners in shaping justice.”

Transitional Justice is Possible Even Amid Conflict

Nour Al-Bajani from the International Center for Transitional Justice addressed the pressing question of whether transitional justice can be pursued during conflict. She affirmed that it is both possible and necessary, noting that early steps can be taken such as documentation, victim support, creating dialogue platforms, and pursuing partial accountability measures to deter perpetrators. Drawing on international experiences, including Colombia and Syria as well as existing initiatives in Yemen, she stressed that “transitional justice is not a temporary goal, but a long-term investment in building peace.”

Live Testimony: The Voice of a Victim

Naser Ibrahim, Director of the Human Rights Office in Amran Governorate and a survivor of arbitrary detention, shared a moving testimony about his nearly three years in prison. He recounted violations he endured, including forced displacement, property confiscation, and enforced disappearance, affirming that “the victim is the cornerstone of transitional justice.” He added: “There can be no genuine national reconciliation if victims’ wounds are not healed and their rights restored.”

Engagement and a Promising Future

The seminar saw broad engagement from participants, who raised questions about the forum’s mechanisms, the inclusion of women and youth, the role of donors, and the challenges of implementing justice. Organizers emphasized that the forum will remain an open and independent platform, free from political agendas, and will work to empower victims to become leaders in their own pursuit of justice.

The launch of the “Forum of Transitional Justice Ambassadors” represents a beacon of hope and a turning point in Yemen’s human rights journey. It opens the door to an inclusive national dialogue that places victims’ dignity and rights at the core of any just and sustainable peace.