Yemen - Country of Concern: latest update, 31 March 2014
Updated 21 January 2015
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Significant violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in Yemen have continued over the last three months. UN Security Council Resolution 2140 of 26 February established a Sanctions Committee and Panel of Experts, with a view to applying further measures against individuals or entities engaged in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Yemen. These include planning, directing, or committing acts that violate applicable international human rights law or international humanitarian law, or acts that constitute human rights abuses, in Yemen. The resolution reiterated the need for comprehensive, independent and impartial investigations consistent with international standards into alleged human rights violations and abuses. It also looked forward to the early adoption of a law on transitional justice and national reconciliation.
Some progress was seen during this period. The National Dialogue Conference (NDC) concluded on 25 January. The resulting recommendations provide a road map for democratic transition underpinned by a commitment to democracy, good governance, rule of law, and respect for human rights. These recommendations must now be implemented, including through the drafting of a new constitution, to be followed by a referendum and elections. President Hadi’s appointment of a largely technocratic Constitutional Drafting Committee in March is to be commended.
Work has begun to establish an independent National Human Rights Institution for Yemen, designed to monitor current human rights violations committed by the state. In preparation for this, a delegation led by Yemen’s Minister for Human Rights and Minister for Legal Affairs, visited the UK in late March as part of a UN Development Programme-organised visit.
The security environment became increasingly fragile during this period. Violence is still ongoing in the North as Houthi (Zaydi Shia) armed groups continue to gain new territory, expanding their presence towards the capital, Sana’a. The fighting continues to impact upon civilian populations, including women and children, and humanitarian access is still difficult. G10 Ambassadors in Sana’a issued a statement on 13 March calling for a de-escalation of tensions, promotion of dialogue, and embracing of the political process. March also saw an increase in violence in Aden, with a succession of assassinations of security personnel and bomb attacks.