Rights Center Warns of Repercussions of Stalled Implementation of Prisoner Exchange Agreement in Yemen
Yemen Monitor – Newsroom:
The American Center for Justice (ACJ) has warned of the repercussions of delays in implementing the prisoner exchange agreement in Yemen, noting that such delays exacerbate the suffering of thousands of detainees and their families amid harsh detention conditions that violate the principles of international humanitarian law.
The center expressed deep regret over the stagnation surrounding the implementation of the prisoner and detainee exchange agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group, which was signed in Muscat on December 23, 2025.
It pointed out that the scheduled date for the start of the first phase (January 27, 2026) passed without any practical steps being taken on the ground, putting the credibility of the signatory parties to the test.
The American Center for Justice reiterated its concern over the unjustified delay, which undermines the humanitarian objectives of the agreement and doubles the suffering of thousands of detainees and their families under harsh detention conditions that violate international humanitarian law.
In its statement, the center said it is closely monitoring, with concern, the exchange of statements between the two parties to the conflict regarding the lack of readiness of detainee lists and delays in exchanging them, stressing that the absence of clarity over responsibility for this impasse raises serious questions about the parties’ commitment to the humanitarian spirit of the agreement, away from political calculations.
The center called on the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen to intensify its efforts and clarify the reasons behind the obstruction to public opinion, in order to help enhance transparency and rebuild the lost trust between the parties.
It urged both the Yemeni government and the Houthi group to fully adhere to what was signed, expedite the completion of the final lists with accuracy, and immediately begin the release operations.
The center emphasized that the issue of prisoners and detainees must remain a purely humanitarian matter that does not tolerate procrastination or use as a pressure tool, noting that the success of this step represents a fundamental pillar in supporting comprehensive peace efforts and creating a conducive environment to end the conflict. It stressed that respect for human dignity and the rights of victims is a top priority that cannot be delayed.
