Statement of Solidarity and Condemnation

The Auar Foundation for Justice and Development expresses its full solidarity with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung – Yemen Office and the Justice Foundation for Rights and Development, and strongly condemns the systematic media and online campaign targeting both organizations over a training program on community mediation and local and social peacebuilding

We affirm that the mockery, distortion, and reductionist portrayals circulating about the program represent a misleading and selective reading that disregards the fact that this is neither a sudden initiative nor an improvised activity. Rather, it is part of an ongoing project that has been running since 2021 and has accumulated years of work, training, and experience. The latest training session was organized in response to one of the recommendations emerging from previous workshops and activities, which emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of women community mediators and developing their capacities to address local conflicts

Reducing a community and development project spanning several years to the title of a single training course, and then building campaigns of defamation and mockery around that reduction, is unacceptable and serves neither society nor the cause of peace. It also undermines the efforts of civil society organizations and those working in peacebuilding

We emphasize that criticism is a legitimate right, but it does not give anyone the right to defame, mislead, or incite against others. Anyone seeking to evaluate a project should examine its objectives, context, stages, and outcomes rather than extract a title or image and turn it into material for abuse

We also strongly reject attempts to portray community mediation and women’s empowerment programs as marginal or frivolous activities. Local mediation is, in fact, an important tool for conflict prevention and strengthening social cohesion, particularly in a society exhausted by years of war and division

While reaffirming its respect for freedom of expression and criticism, the Auar Foundation for Justice and Development calls for an end to campaigns of distortion and irresponsible targeting, and urges professionalism and objectivity in reporting on the work and projects of organizations. The Foundation also renews its appreciation for all sincere efforts undertaken to advance peace, justice, and development in Yemen

Solidarity with civil society work is not a stance in support of one particular organization; it is a defense of society’s right to work for peace without intimidation or distortion

Auar Foundation for Justice and Development

31 August 2026