The Hidden Prisons of Yemen: Stories of Abuse and Silence

Mon Feb 02 2026 17:45:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A closer look at the secret detention facilities run by the UAE in Yemen, revealing the harrowing experiences of detainees and the complex political landscape surrounding these human rights violations.

This article sheds light on the human rights abuses occurring in UAE-run secret prisons in Yemen, detailing testimonies from former detainees who describe torture, sexual abuse, and indefinite detention. Amidst a civil war that has ravaged the country, the shifting alliances between the UAE, Yemeni forces, and their Saudi backers complicate accountability for these abuses. With families desperate for answers about their missing loved ones, the situation in Yemen’s hidden prisons remains dire and often overlooked.

The Hidden Prisons of Yemen: Stories of Abuse and Silence

The revelations from Yemeni former detainees have brought to light the grim reality of secret prisons run by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the context of Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict. Access granted to these facilities has confirmed long-standing claims regarding the mistreatment and torture of individuals held without trial.

Witnesses recount horrific experiences in these clandestine environments, including beatings, sexual assault, and extreme psychological distress. One mother shared the agony of her son's disappearance, revealing how he was subjected to abuse while held captive for nearly a decade.

Testimonies gathered indicate that detainees often face dire conditions, particularly in shipping containers severely lacking in ventilation and space. With claims that up to 60 men were crammed into such containers, it becomes evident that humane treatment is far from prioritized.

As international scrutiny of the UAE's actions intensifies, the Yemeni government has begun to act on its own citizens' demands — promising to shut down illegal prisons and to transition detainees into formal judicial oversight. However, many remains skeptical, fearing that similar abuses may continue under different governance.

The human rights crisis in Yemen has garnered little international attention amidst the ongoing humanitarian emergency, illustrating the need for greater advocacy on behalf of those still enmeshed in these tragic circumstances. Only through recognition and accountability can the families of the detained hope to find closure and justice.