Archive — Yemen Peace Project

Bridget Sakowski

Bridget Sakowski

HRL and IHL Violations - December 2017

Houthi-Saleh Alliance

San’a Governorate

On December 4, 2017, Houthi forces summarily executed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in San’a. This incident violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Yemen is a party.

In the month since the death of Ali Abdullah Saleh, multiple sources have reported that Houthi forces have detained and disappeared hundreds of people in San’a, and have carried out mass executions. Thus far it has been impossible to confirm the extent of these violations.

On December 5, 2017, Houthi rebels held dozens of journalists at a television station in San'a after firing rocket-propelled grenades at the headquarters of the Yemen Al Youm TV channel. This incident violates Customary IHL Rule 96 on taking hostages.

 

HRL and IHL Violations - November 2017

Houthi-Saleh Alliance

Riyadh Airport, Saudi Arabia

On November 4, 2017, Houthi forces fired a ballistic missile on Riyadh’s main international airport. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.

Ta'iz Governorate

On November 2, 2017, Houthi forces shelled a residential area killing five children and wounding two. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.

 

HRL and IHL Violations - October 2017

HOUTHI-SALEH ALLIANCE

Najran, Saudi Arabia

On October 27, 2017, Houthi forces fired a ballistic missile towards civilian populations in the Saudi village of Najran. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.

San’a Governorate

On October 22, 2017, the bicentenary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, Houthi authorities raided a Baha’i home and arrested a local Baha’i. This incident violates Customary IHL Rule 88.

The Houthis have been accused of severe, on-going torture within their Habra prison. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 37 and Chapter 90.

YEMENI GOVERNMENT AND SAUDI-LED COALITION

Ports on the Red Sea

The Saudi-led coalition maintains a de facto blockade of Yemen’s ports on the Red Sea, which has blocked essential aid from entering the country. The denial of humanitarian relief to civilians in need violates customary IHL Rule 55.

HRL and IHL Violations - September 2017

HOUTHI-SALEH ALLIANCE

Countrywide

The Houthi-Saleh forces continue to prevent essential humanitarian aid from reaching civilians throughout Yemen by blocking its transportation and confiscating it. The Alliance has prevented essential goods, such as fuel, from entering ports under their control. The denial of humanitarian relief to civilians in need violates customary IHL Rule 55.

Ta’iz Governorate

On September 15, three children were killed and nine others were injured during shelling by the Houthi-Saleh alliance in the Ta’iz neighborhoods of Shab Al-Doubba and Souk Al-Samil. This incident, which was corroborated by the ICRC and the UN OHCHR, violates Customary IHL Rule 71.

YEMENI GOVERNMENT AND SAUDI-LED COALITION

Countrywide

The Saudi-led coalition continues to impose restrictions on imports into Yemen, including lifesaving aid and fuel. As reported by Human Rights Watch, the restrictions on imports to Yemen have shut down a critical port, delayed aid and prevented the arrival of essential fuel. A recent analysis by the American Bar Association states that the Trump Administration is violating the Foreign Assistance Act by providing security assistance to states which are blocking the delivery of US humanitarian aid. The denial of humanitarian relief to civilians in need violates customary IHL Rule 55.

Members of Congress urge independent investigation into human rights violations

WASHINGTON, DC--On September 12, fourteen members of Congress sent an official letter to Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley urging her to call “for an independent, international investigation into the allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Yemen,” after more than two years of abuses by all sides in Yemen’s civil war that have continued with impunity. The Yemen Peace Project applauds this effort, which echoes a letter the YPP and 66 other NGOs previously delivered to members of the UN Human Rights Council.