Quotes by Fabrizio Carboni, the regional director for the Near and Middle East for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC):

We welcome this agreement between Yemeni parties for the release, transfer and repatriation of conflict-related detainees and we are determined to help facilitate the transfers and reunite people separated from their families.

The Agreement is one of the first positive steps for Yemen in a long time. I am glad to see talks turn into action, proof that the well-being of the Yemeni people can be put first.

We hope this agreement helps build the confidence needed for a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. The Yemeni people can’t wait any longer for their ordeal to end, the time to act was yesterday. Every day lives are lost in Yemen due to intense fighting, preventable diseases, lack of food, and extreme poverty.

The ICRC has been asked to play its role as a neutral intermediary and provide technical support. From the beginning, we have been in direct contact with the respective detention authorities. We have also had access to some of the detained persons. During our visits, we have verified the conditions of detention and helped establish contacts between the detainees and their families.

For the ICRC, it will be of utmost importance to be able to certify the will of each detainee to be part of the process, and to guarantee the security of the ICRC personnel throughout the operation.

One of the great contributions of the ICRC is reuniting people who have been separated from their families. I’m pleased we will assist in helping detainees on both sides return home. The ICRC’s role as neutral intermediary and its experience and expertise in the issue of detention will help ensure a successful operation.