SUBMISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Yemen, October 11, 2023

Human Rights Agenda Organization, Association of Mothers of Abductees, Musaala Organization for Human Rights, and Dhameer for Rights and Freedoms submitted a report to the “Universal Periodic Review” Committee of the Human Rights Council to contribute to enriching its review of Yemen in the fourth session, the 46th session of the Human Rights Council.

The universal periodic review is one of the most important mechanisms of the United Nations, through which the human rights situation of the Council member state is reviewed once every four and a half years. The review focuses on the extent of fulfillment and commitment of states and governments in the field of human rights and aims to urge and encourage states to adhere to their duties, and to present relevant questions and recommendations to enhance the human rights situation.

International human rights law places obligations on the Yemeni government to respect. It is the responsibility of the Yemeni government to respect, protect and implement human rights. The obligation to respect requires refraining from interfering with or limiting the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires protecting individuals and groups from human rights violations by third parties. Commitment to implementation means taking positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights, ensuring that acquired rights are not reversed, and ensuring the fulfillment of minimum basic obligations.

The organizations submitting the review highlighted the most important human rights violations in Yemen committed by all parties to the conflict, including the Yemeni government, the Ansar Allah group (Houthis), the coalition led by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the Southern Transitional Council, and other military formations supported by the UAE, accompanied by a package of questions and recommendations proposed to be presented on the Yemeni government during the universal periodic review.

The review addressed ten patterns and/or topics related to human rights in Yemen, including military attacks on civilians and civilian objects, violations related to arbitrary detention, the use of mines, child recruitment, violations that affected the educational system, health, and children, as well as targeting freedom of expression, the press, and minorities. One of the introduction chapters also addressed Briefing on the state of the justice system in Yemen and options for future accountability.

The organizations also put forward a set of questions proposed to be put to the government to discuss the measures taken by the government to ensure the protection of civilians and alleviate their suffering. The presentation included several priorities in its recommendations, including compliance by all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and immediate disclosure of the fate of detainees. And the disappeared, closing unofficial prisons, and respecting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Nuha Al-Ariki, Executive Director of Human Rights Agenda Organization, said: “Whether or not the government fulfills its obligations puts the lives of millions of Yemenis at stake. The government must take urgent and effective measures to protect civilians, ensure their safety, and safeguard their rights.”

The Universal Periodic Review of Yemen is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, during the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (April 29 – May 10) in Geneva, Switzerland.

To read or download the submitted report via the below link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jBbDjCVrEJTcXvjJB8atbewlqwOs0c3/view?usp=sharing