The Women’s Solidarity Network expresses its deep shock and strong condemnation of the assassination of Mr. Wisam Qaed, Acting Executive Director of the Social Fund for Development, which took place in the interim capital, Aden, following his abduction from in front of his home by unknown armed individuals. This tragic incident comes less than a week after the assassination of the educational figure Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shaer, at a time when accountability and justice for such crimes were urgently expected.

The Network affirms that this heinous crime constitutes a grave violation of the right to life and undermines development and humanitarian efforts in Yemen, particularly as the victim was a prominent national professional who dedicated his work to serving society, supporting livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience, including empowering women and the most vulnerable groups.

Accordingly, targeting him is not merely an attack on an individual, but a direct assault on efforts toward development, recovery, stability, and social peace in the country.

The Women’s Solidarity Network joins national and international condemnations, which have stressed the need for a prompt and comprehensive investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable, ensuring that perpetrators, instigators, and accomplices do not escape justice, and preventing the recurrence of such serious crimes that threaten the safety and security of individuals and society at large.

The Network notes with deep concern the increasing incidents of abductions, assassinations, and security violations targeting civil leaders and individuals engaged in public service, reflecting a dangerous pattern of targeting professionals working in public service and development institutions. This calls for serious measures to enhance security and ensure the protection of individuals engaged in public affairs, including both women and men working in development and humanitarian fields. The Network underscores the responsibility of the relevant authorities to protect civilians and ensure security in areas under their control.

The Women’s Solidarity Network calls for:

• Opening an urgent, independent, and transparent criminal investigation into this heinous crime;
• Publicly disclosing the results of the investigation and ensuring accountability for all those involved, including planners, instigators, and supporters;
• Taking immediate and effective measures to protect individuals working in the public sector, development and humanitarian institutions, and human rights defenders;
• Strengthening the rule of law, ensuring the independence of the judiciary and law enforcement bodies, and putting an end to impunity;
• Developing early warning, protection, and rapid response mechanisms for individuals at risk due to their public, development, or human rights work.

The Network also calls on the international community, the United Nations, and donor agencies to:

• Take urgent action to support the establishment of an independent and impartial international mechanism to investigate assassinations and systematic targeting of civil leaders and development actors in Yemen;
• Ensure an effective and transparent international investigation into the assassination of Wisam Qaed, covering all circumstances of abduction, detention, and killing, and identifying both direct and indirect perpetrators;
• Take serious steps to prevent impunity, including supporting international accountability mechanisms and evidence preservation;
• Apply meaningful international pressure on all parties and authorities in Yemen to ensure the protection of civilians and individuals working in public and development sectors;
• Strengthen protection measures for individuals working in civil, development, and humanitarian institutions who face increasing risks due to the nature of their work.

The Women’s Solidarity Network extends its sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the victim and reaffirms its solidarity with all efforts aimed at protecting lives and promoting security and stability.

Women’s Solidarity Network
05.05.2026

‍