The Yemeni Initiative for Peace and Development expresses its profound sorrow and unequivocal condemnation of the assassinations of Mr. Wisam Qaed, Acting Director of the Social Fund for Development, and Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Shaer, Chairman of the Board of Al-Nawras Private Schools in Aden. The two assassinations took place in April 2026 in the interim capital, Aden, amid an increasingly alarming security environment marked by a growing pattern of attacks targeting civilian figures and professionals working in the development and education sectors.
The Initiative extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to individuals working in the civil society and human rights sectors both within Yemen and abroad. It also reaffirms its full solidarity with all those engaged in public service and in defending and promoting civil and human rights.
The Initiative stresses that these crimes constitute grave human rights violations and represent a dangerous escalation in the targeting of civil society and development work. They also reflect a deteriorating security environment that threatens those working in these sectors and raises serious concerns over the growing pattern of violence against civilian actors.
Furthermore, the Initiative notes that the persistence of such violations, coupled with limited preventive measures and the absence of transparent investigation outcomes in a number of similar cases, contributes to a climate of impunity and undermines confidence in the justice system and the rule of law. These concerns are further heightened by reports that some individuals had previously been subjected to threats or incitement campaigns.
Accordingly, the Yemeni Initiative for Peace
and Development calls for the following:
1. The immediate launch of an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the two assassinations, addressing all relevant circumstances and all parties involved, including those responsible for incitement, facilitation, or any form of direct or indirect support.
2. The adoption of effective judicial measures to ensure that all those responsible are held accountable in line with internationally recognized standards of justice and fair trial.
3. The public disclosure of the investigation’s findings and main developments in a manner that guarantees the victims’ families’ right to know and ensures the public’s access to information.
4. The adoption and implementation of comprehensive and effective protection measures for human rights defenders and personnel working in the humanitarian and development sectors, including risk assessment mechanisms, early warning systems, and stronger measures to criminalize and prosecute threats and incitement.
5. A review of protection and accountability policies aimed at preventing the recurrence of such crimes, reinforcing the rule of law, and safeguarding social peace and stability.
While strongly condemning these crimes, the Initiative stresses that the continued targeting of individuals working in the humanitarian and development sectors, particularly in the absence of adequate protection and effective deterrent measures, could undermine the broader operating environment, endanger personnel, and erode donor confidence and the continuity of support. Such developments may ultimately have serious consequences for beneficiaries and social stability.
The Initiative renews its full solidarity with individuals working in the civil society and human rights sectors and calls on the international community, alongside relevant United Nations mechanisms concerned with the protection of human rights defenders, to closely follow this case and support efforts to ensure accountability, uphold justice, and combat impunity.
