Human Rights Law at Yemen
Human rights law in Yemen is complex due to the ongoing conflict, political instability, and the humanitarian crisis. Here's a summary of the state of human rights law and practice in Yemen:
1. Legal Framework
Constitution: Yemen’s 1991 Constitution (amended in 2001) includes several provisions on human rights, such as equality before the law (Article 41), protection from torture (Article 48), and freedom of expression (Article 42).
International Treaties: Yemen is a party to several key human rights treaties, including:
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) – with reservations
However, implementation is inconsistent, and enforcement has been severely weakened by war.
2. Current Human Rights Situation
Due to the civil war (since 2014), human rights abuses have significantly increased:
Right to Life and Security: Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, mostly from airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition, Houthi shelling, and clashes between armed groups.
Detention and Torture: Arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture have been reported from all sides, including Houthi forces, the internationally recognized government, and southern separatists.
Freedom of Expression: Journalists and activists face harassment, arrest, and sometimes execution. Media is heavily censored.
Women's Rights: Discrimination against women is widespread. Early marriage, limited mobility, and restricted legal rights persist. The war has worsened conditions.
Children's Rights: Children are recruited as soldiers, denied access to education, and suffer from malnutrition and lack of healthcare.
3. Key Institutions
Ministry of Human Rights: Exists within the internationally recognized government, but its capacity is limited.
National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations to Human Rights (NCIAVHR): Established to document violations, but its impartiality and effectiveness are questioned.
International Bodies: The UN Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen (disbanded in 2021) and NGOs like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch report ongoing violations.
4. Challenges to Enforcement
Fragmented authority due to conflict (Houthi control in the north, government and other factions in the south).
Lack of access for humanitarian and monitoring organizations.
Weak judiciary and security institutions.
Culture of impunity, with limited accountability for war crimes and human rights abuses.
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