The 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

9 September – 11 October 2024

Item 3: General debate on promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

19 September 2024

Statement of Association Ma'onah for Human Rights and Immigration and the Geneva International Center for Justice

Delivered by Inès Najeh / GICJ

Thank you. We would like to bring attention to the situation of human rights in Yemen which is undergoing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world where widespread human rights violations are happening every day leaving the Yemini population in extreme distress.

Yemen is highly vulnerable to climate change-related impacts such as drought, extreme floodings, change in rainfall patterns and sudden disease outbreaks, threatening the already fragile state of the country. Additionally, the Houthis militia’s irresponsible policies and ship attacks causing oil spills have further degraded the environment, worsening the climate change crisis.

The Houthi militia has imposed severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, blocking access to critical supplies, exacerbating famine, and worsening the dire conditions for millions of Yemenis, including children. This weaponization of aid, combined with the targeting of civilian infrastructure violates international humanitarian law and the right to development. It is important to recall that women and girls are the most vulnerable as they are subjected to gender-based violence and discrimination.

In view of these grave violations, Association Ma’onah and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on the international community to pressure the Houthis to cease their violations of human rights and humanitarian law. We urge for an immediate intervention to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those most in need. The international community needs to intensify its efforts to hold the militia group accountable and ensure justice for all.

Thank you.