Killing of Wissam Qaed in Aden

Statement on the Abduction and Killing of Wissam Qaed in Aden

Taiz

The Human Rights Information and Training Center (HRITC) expresses its profound concern and strongest condemnation of the abduction and killing of Mr. Wissam Qaed, Acting Executive Director of the Social Fund for Development. Mr. Qaed was abducted on the afternoon of May 3, 2026, from in front of his residence in Enma City, Aden, before being found dead in the Al-Hasswa area.

The Center affirms that this crime constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of the right to life and may amount to an extrajudicial execution in violation of the obligations incumbent upon the State under international human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The Center recalls that the State’s duty in such cases extends beyond refraining from violations. It also includes the obligation to exercise due diligence in prevention, protection, investigation, and accountability, in accordance with relevant international standards, including the United Nations Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions. These standards require prompt, impartial, independent, and effective investigations capable of fully determining criminal responsibility.

The Center further notes that any failure to conduct an effective investigation or ensure accountability constitutes an independent violation in itself and contributes to entrenching a climate of impunity.

HRITC expresses deep concern over growing indications of a pattern of systematic targeting of individuals working in the civil and development sectors. Such acts are inconsistent with international obligations concerning the protection of human rights defenders, including the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which guarantees the right of individuals to work freely and safely in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Accordingly, the Human Rights Information and Training Center (HRITC) calls upon the competent Yemeni authorities and all relevant actors to:

1. Conduct a prompt, independent, impartial, and effective investigation in accordance with the above-mentioned international standards, including the Minnesota Protocol, and ensure full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding the crime.
2. Identify and hold accountable all those responsible, including direct perpetrators and those who ordered, facilitated, or orchestrated the crime, and ensure that they are brought to justice through fair and public trials.
3. Ensure the preservation of evidence and the protection of witnesses and victims’ families in line with international standards governing criminal investigations into serious human rights violations.
4. Adopt a comprehensive approach to investigating patterns of assassinations in order to dismantle criminal networks and address the root causes of such crimes.
5. Take effective measures to ensure the protection of civil society and humanitarian workers in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

The Center stresses that continued failure to meet these obligations will further aggravate the human rights situation and undermine public confidence in justice institutions and the rule of law.

In conclusion, the Center extends its sincere condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased and reaffirms its solidarity with all human rights, civil society, and humanitarian workers throughout Yemen.

Issued by:
Human Rights Information and Training Center (HRITC)
4 May 2026