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128 detainees repatriated to Yemen from Saudi Arabia

Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday facilitated the repatriation of 128 detainees from Saudi Arabia to Yemen following a request from the Coalition's Joint Forces Command and in agreement with both parties.

Before the operation, the ICRC confirmed the detainees' identities and verified that they wished to be repatriated via pre-departure interviews at Khamis Msheit prison.

The ICRC sees the release as a positive step and hopes that it will spur further releases and repatriations of conflict-related detainees.

"This release is excellent news for the freed detainees and their families in Yemen with whom they will be reunited," said Kedir Awol Omar, the ICRC's head of mission in Saudi Arabia. "We hope that the release of these 128 detainees, but (sic) also the 290 detainees set free by Ansarullah on 30 September 2019, will create a positive dynamic and will allow more detainees to be reunited with their families."

The released detainees were accompanied by ICRC delegates during their travel to Yemen. An ICRC medical staff member assessed the health condition of the detainees prior to the release and accompanied them, after the release and during the travel to respond to any medical needs; a treating doctor previously confirmed that the detainees were fit to travel and proposed specific accommodations that some required.

In Sanaa, the Yemen Red Crescent played an essential role during the operation with 19 volunteers and staff, among them five first aid specialists, who assisted and transferred patients in six ambulances, from the airport to a health facility, for medical follow up.

The ICRC is acting as a neutral intermediary and was not involved in any negotiations that preceded the release.

For further information, please contact:

Nathalie Bekdache, ICRC Sanaa +967 730500719 (Arabic, English/international media)
Ala'a Nayel, ICRC Kuwait +965 96673614 (Arabic, English/GCC Media)
Ruth Hetherington, ICRC Geneva, + 41 79 447 37 26 (English)

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People deprived of their liberty are protected under international humanitarian law

Even in war, people who are detained must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity. International humanitarian law sets clear rules for their protection - covering their treatment, conditions of detention and contact with their families. The ICRC visits people in detention to ensure these rights are respected. During visits, our delegates speak privately with detainees, assess conditions and share confidential recommendations with the authorities. Our goal is simple: to make sure humanity is upheld, everywhere.

Find out more about our work to help people in places of detention