Mahdi Balghaith, President of the Musaala for Human Rights, Highlights Road Closure Crisis in Marib During His Speech at the Human Rights Council in Geneva

Geneva – July 1,2024

During the 56th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mahdi Balghaith, the President of the Musaala Organization for Human Rights, delivered an impactful speech addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Yemen's Marib Governorate caused by road closures due to the ongoing nine-year conflict.

Balghaith began his speech by saying, "I stand before you today from Marib Governorate, which suffers from the consequences of the ongoing conflict in Yemen for nine years. I speak about a pressing humanitarian issue deeply affecting the lives of thousands of civilians, which is the (road closures) and the negative impacts it has on innocent civilians." He emphasized that the situation requires urgent attention and immediate action according to human rights principles and international humanitarian law.

Balghaith pointed out that Marib, known for its oil and gas resources, was living in peace and stability before the conflict erupted in late 2014. However, as a result of the conflict, three of the four main roads connecting the governorate to other provinces were closed and replaced by an unsafe 150 km desert road. This alternative road is unsuitable for trucks or buses and poses significant dangers due to armed gangs and widespread landmines.

He explained that the closure of the main roads has resulted in a near-complete siege of Marib since September 2021, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian and medical aid barely reaches or does not reach at all, making access to healthcare a distant dream for thousands of civilians. He added that the number of displaced people in Marib has reached over two million, suffering harsh conditions due to this blockade.

Balghaith noted that road closures have worsened the economic and social situation, as mobility restrictions have led to a significant increase in the prices of basic goods and transportation costs, adding to the residents' suffering. The blockade has also impacted education, with more than 22,000 students deprived of attending school due to displacement and difficult conditions.

In concluding his speech, Balghaith called on the international community to take responsibility for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and work to end the suffering of civilians in Marib urgently and effectively. He also urged the warring parties to neutralize roads and public services from the conflict, facilitate citizens' access to health and education services, and commit to handing over and clearing landmine maps.

Balghaith affirmed that the suffering of the people of Marib blatantly violates the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights law, calling for collective efforts to end this crisis and open roads of hope and life for the besieged citizens.

You can watch the event recorded at the following link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lxa4gDiaFFc?si=hafcyjMk3FNzimVl