Statement of Condemnation Regarding the Continued Obstruction of the Prisoner Exchange Deal by the Saudi-Emirati Aggression Coalition

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

The Entisaf Organization for Women and Child Rights condemns the continued obstruction of the prisoner exchange deal due to the obstacles placed by the Saudi side. This humanitarian step was supposed to alleviate some of the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families who have been waiting for years for the return of their detained relatives.

The organization denounces the continued obstruction of this humanitarian issue, despite the completion of all necessary procedures and the National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs’ declaration of its readiness to implement the deal according to the agreed-upon mechanism and timetable. This reveals a lack of genuine will to fulfill this humanitarian obligation and prolongs the suffering of the prisoners and their families, especially women and children who are living in dire psychological, social, and economic conditions due to the continued detention of their loved ones.

The organization affirms that the issue of prisoners is not a matter for bargaining or political maneuvering, but rather a fundamental human right guaranteed by international conventions. This obligates all parties to implement relevant agreements in good faith and to refrain from any actions or practices that could hinder the release of detainees or delay their reunification with their families.

The Entisaf Organization believes that the refusal to include the remaining prisoners held by the Saudi side constitutes a major obstacle to completing the exchange process. It perpetuates the suffering of the detainees and their families and makes the obstructing party responsible for the humanitarian consequences of this delay and the accompanying violations of the detainees’ fundamental rights.

The organization calls upon the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all parties involved in the prisoners’ file to take immediate and practical steps to ensure the full and impartial implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement, based on the principle of “all for all,” and to work towards uncovering the fate and whereabouts of all detainees and guaranteeing their release as soon as possible.

The Entisaf Organization also appeals to the international community and human rights and humanitarian organizations to play their role in protecting the human rights of prisoners and to exert pressure to resolve this issue without any political considerations, in a way that achieves humanitarian justice and alleviates the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families who have long awaited the return of their loved ones.

Issued by the Entisaf Organization for Women and Children’s Rights

12 ,July , 2026