Humanitarian agencies call for immediate and independent investigation following death of Save the Children staff member in detention

We, the 25 undersigned international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) operating in Yemen, are devastated by the death of Save the Children staff member Hisham Al-Hakimi who died in detention in Yemen. Hisham was a dedicated humanitarian who had been working with Save the Children since 2006. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.

We stand in solidarity with Save the Children in Yemen who are providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to millions of children and families in extremely challenging circumstances.

Parties to conflict must ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and that their rights are respected, in line with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We are concerned by reports that Hisham was detained without charges or legal proceedings and that no one was able to speak to or see him through the period of his detention. We call for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Hisham’s death.

Furthermore, we remain concerned for the welfare of three UN staff who have been detained — two since November 2021 and one since August 2023. We echo the UN Humanitarian Coordinator's call for the Sana’a Authorities to provide full information on their circumstances as well as visitation access.

Signed,

ACTED
Action Contre la Faim (ACF)
ADRA Yemen
CARE
CIVIC
Concern WW
Danish Refugee Council
Direct Aid
FHI 360
Geneva Call
GiveDirectly
Humanity & Inclusion
International Rescue Committee
INTERSOS
Marie Stopes International Yemen
MdM
Mercy Corps
Norwegian Refugee Council
OXFAM
People in Need
PU-AMI
Saferworld
Search for Common Ground
Solidarités International
War Child UK