Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj, founder and president of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, continues to be a powerful voice in bringing international attention to the plight of thousands of Yemeni detainees and their families. Ms. Hajj – using her association’s unique approach of mobilizing families and demanding accountability for violations committed by all parties to the conflict – has played a pivotal role in documenting the abductions of over 9,500 and securing the release of 950 forcibly disappeared individuals. Ms. Hajj and the Association leverage their understanding of the unique role of mothers and families in Yemeni society and use this knowledge to access avenues often not available to other international mediation efforts. In her August 2023 remarks before the UN Security Council, Ms. Hajj underscored the pain of mothers who had lost their sons and who had been abducted and forcibly displaced. “We are speaking of civilians who have not participated in the conflict,” she declared, calling on the international community not to lose sight of the tragedy. Ms. Hajj’s courage and dedication continues to inspire human rights advocates worldwide, making her a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj
