Statement Condemning and Denouncing Online Defamation and Incitement Campaigns Targeting Yemeni Women Leaders and Activists

The Auar Foundation for Justice and Development is following with grave concern the defamation, incitement, and abusive campaigns taking place on social media platforms against a number of Yemeni women leaders and activists. These campaigns clearly go beyond the boundaries of criticism and freedom of expression, seeking to undermine their dignity, reputation, and role in public life

The Foundation condemns these practices, emphasizing that political or public disagreement can never justify using digital spaces to defame, incite against, or inflict psychological and emotional violence on women. It also rejects the transformation of digital platforms into tools of intimidation, exclusion, and targeting of women because of their presence in positions of responsibility and decision-making

The Foundation expresses its solidarity with Dr. Rania Najeeb in the face of the targeting and smear campaigns directed against her. It stresses that protecting human dignity and safeguarding women’s right to participate in public life are legal and societal responsibilities that must be upheld consistently and without selectivity

The Foundation calls on the relevant authorities to address these practices seriously and take legal action against anyone found responsible for defamation, incitement, or cyberviolence. It also urges media outlets, activists, and civil society organizations to promote responsible public discourse that respects differences and protects women’s right to participate in political and social life

The Auar Foundation for Justice and Development affirms that empowering women and protecting them from violence and exclusion are not privileges, but fundamental components of justice and human rights. Targeting women because of their participation in public affairs must never be used as a means of pushing them out of positions of influence and decision-making

Issued by:
Auar Foundation for Justice and Development
18 August 2026