Human rights violations in Yemen discussed at the European Parliament
March 25, 2022, 11:41 am

Human rights violations in Yemen discussed at the European Parliament

An international conference entitled "Human rights violations in Yemen" was organised by EPP group on March 23rd at the European Parliament from 3 to 5 p.m host by MEP Martusciello and moderated by Manel Msalmi, international Affairs advisor to MEP

The conference invited as a guest speaker Dr wesam Basindawa, head of the Yemeni Coalition of Independent Women who came to Brussels to share her knowledge with MEPs and EU institutions about the situation in Yemen.

MEP Isabella Tovaglieri was the first to speak as a member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality to highlight that women are the most affected and vulnerable category in conflict zones and that there is a need to protect these women from rape, kidnapping, forced marriage and poverty. Europe should help women in peacebuilding and in conflict resolution.

MEP Luisa Regimenti spoke about physical and psychological violence towards women and the need to work on psychological support and helping the victims of the Houthis crimes and violence to overcome the atrocities that they have witnessed.

MEP Martusciello reminded us that he had been working for more than three years on this issue and that he has raised awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, especially lately in the plenary session through the parliamentary question regarding the issue of minorities and violence against Women in Yemen by the Houthi militias

MEP Czarneki evoked the crimes committed by the Houthis who targeted civilians in terrorist attacks mainly in Maarib and in AlThwara hospital. He also added that the Houthi militia committed crimes against African refugees by burning them.

Dr wesam Basindawa welcomed the "European Union Resolution No. 420/2022, which included the Houthi group among the groups that subject to sanctions for threatening peace, security and stability in Yemen."

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She mentioned all the crimes that the Houthis committed against women and children such as physical and sexual violence, recruiting children and using violence against minorities.

MEP Adinolfi, member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality highlighted the need to support women mainly teachers, intellectuals and journalists who are working hard to raise awareness about the Humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

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MEP Gianna Gancia stressed the fact that the war has generated a critical situation regarding women and girls and that "From the beginning of the conflict seven years ago, the European Union has made diplomatic efforts and provided financial support to Yemen through humanitarian assistance and development. Unfortunately, the last attacks by Ansar Allah have shown how hard the situation is."

Alessandra Illuticini, president of Progetto Donna 2021 evoked the atrocities that women go through in Houthi controlled areas such forced Niqabs, child marriage, honor killings and domestic violence.

She stressed the need to work closely with the UN and human rights organizations to empower women and protect them as well as support their fight for their rights.

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MEP Vuolo mentioned that "Yemen remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Conflict across Yemen continues to endanger civilians, trigger displacement and damage civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools."

Mrs Simona Russo coordinator of "Fight Impunity organization" highlighted that the Humanitarian crisis in Yemen is the worst in the world and that we should not forget Yemen.

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MEP Martusciello said that he had been working for more than three years on this issue and that he has raised awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, especially lately in the plenary session through the parliamentary question regarding the issue of minorities and violence against Women in Yemen by the Houthi militias. Thanks to his continuous efforts together with his MEP colleagues, they wrote a letter to Joseph Borrell to highlight the need to designate the Houthis as a terrorist group by showing the persecution that the civilians experienced.

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MEP Bonfrisco concluded by saying that we need to encourage women peace builders and help them establish dialogue between the different parties in Yemen. women should be an active member of the peace negotiations in Yemen.

The moderator concluded the session by mentioning that the EU as a peace actor should work closely with civil society organisations in Yemen and empower female leaders. The outcome of this conference is the creation of a Friendship group which follows closely the Humanitarian situation in Yemen and supports civil society organisations mainly female leaders in Yemen.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.