STC External Affairs Discusses Cooperation with OHCHR and Affirms Council's Respect for Human Rights

Dr. Saleh Mohsen Al-Haj, Head of the Southern Transitional Council's (STC) External Affairs Authority, discussed on Sunday at the authority's office in the capital, Aden, enhancing cooperation and institutional coordination with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Mr. Ahmed Suliman.

During the meeting, which was attended by Dr. Saleh Basardah, Head of the Legal Affairs and Human Rights Authority, and Mr. Mohammed Ali Ahmed, Deputy Head of the External Affairs Authority, Dr. Al-Haj strongly rejected inaccurate media claims and the baseless disinformation campaign by opposing parties. These reports had falsely alleged that Southern forces had imposed a military siege, carried out arbitrary raids and arrests, or engaged in enforced disappearances in Hadramaut. He clarified that the security measures taken fall strictly within the framework of maintaining security and stability and are in full accordance with applicable laws.

Furthermore, Dr. Al-Haj affirmed the Transitional Council's steadfast commitment to protecting human rights and respecting international humanitarian law. He highlighted the issuance of strict directives to ensure compliance with the general amnesty decree issued by President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi and to hold any violators accountable and reiterated the Council's welcome of any professional and transparent investigation aimed at revealing the truth to the public.

For his part, Mr. Ahmed Suliman praised the cooperation and coordination with the STC and indicated that what is being circulated in the media is subject to scrutiny, adding that the High Commissioner's office intends to arrange a field visit to Hadramaut governorate in January.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Najeeb Qayid, Director of the International Organizations and Human Rights Department at the External Affairs Authority.