The European Union and the Netherlands Reaffirm Their Support for Yemen’s National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations to Human Rights

Geneva | 24 September 2026

The National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations to Human Rights met today in Geneva with representatives of the European Union Delegation and the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands. They discussed the latest developments in the human rights situation in Yemen, the findings of the Commission’s fourteenth periodic report, and the support it needs to continue its investigations and field visits.

The Commission’s Vice-Chair, Judge Hussein Al-Mashdali, highlighted some of the violations covered in the report. He noted that the range of incidents under investigation has expanded as the conflict has evolved, including incidents related to maritime navigation. He also addressed the impact of the recent escalation along the western coast of Taiz and Hodeidah governorates on civilians and the resulting displacement, as well as the restrictions faced by health workers and childhood vaccination campaigns in areas under Houthi control.

Katerina Tapio, the EU Delegation’s human rights officer, expressed the EU’s concern about the recent escalation and its effects on civilians. She reaffirmed the EU’s continued support for the Commission and said she would discuss the issues raised during the meeting with the EU delegation in Amman, including the Commission’s willingness to continue the dialogue in Aden.

Nadège Afonso, Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, said the information presented by the Commission helped clarify the nature of the violations and the challenges facing its investigations. The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen communication and cooperation to help the Commission carry out its mandate.