A human rights report documents over 5,834 violations against women by Houthi forces in Yemen.
Alarming Report Reveals Over 5,800 Violations Against Women in Yemen
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has documented a staggering 5,834 violations committed by Houthi militias against women in Yemen from January 1, 2017, to the end of 2025. This report, released in conjunction with International Women’s Day, highlights the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on women’s rights across 15 provinces.
Types of Violations Documented
The report outlines a range of violations, including murder, injury, abduction, enforced disappearance, and both physical and psychological torture. Additionally, it notes cases of forced recruitment and dismissal from public employment.
Casualties and Injuries
Field teams recorded 1,479 cases of murder and 3,398 injuries resulting from artillery shelling, missile strikes, landmine explosions, sniper fire, and live ammunition. Among these, 547 cases involved abduction and enforced disappearance, while 176 cases pertained to the forced recruitment of women and girls, including students.
Most Affected Provinces
Taiz province emerged as the most affected area, suffering the highest number of murders of women. Other severely impacted provinces include Al Hudaydah, Aden, Lahij, Marib, Al Jawf, Al Dhale’e, and Abyan. The report also highlights that 274 women lost their lives due to landmine explosions planted by Houthi militias in public roads, residential neighborhoods, farms, grazing areas, and markets, with Taiz, Al Jawf, Al Hudaydah, and Al Dhale’e recording the highest incidents.
Sniper Attacks and Direct Fire
The report details 124 cases of women killed by Houthi snipers across nine provinces, with Taiz again leading with 68 fatalities. Al Hudaydah and Aden followed closely behind. Additionally, the report documented 91 cases of direct gunfire against women in 16 provinces, along with 46 other fatalities resulting from various incidents, including stabbings and vehicle-related assaults.
Torture and Enforced Disappearances in Prisons
The network also reported 78 cases of torture against women held in both secret and official Houthi prisons. Victims endured various forms of torture, including sexual harassment and fabricated charges that tarnished their honor, according to testimonies from survivors. Furthermore, the report revealed 69 cases of enforced disappearance, where women were abducted and held in secret prisons for periods ranging from three months to a year, with many still unaccounted for.
Injuries from Conflict
The report highlights 3,398 injuries among women due to Houthi shelling of residential areas, markets, and public gathering places using various heavy and medium weapons. Landmines alone caused permanent disabilities in 486 women. Additionally, 314 women suffered injuries from sniper fire, while 317 were injured by direct gunfire. The report also recorded 211 other injuries resulting from physical assaults, stabbings, or being run over by military vehicles.
This comprehensive report underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to protect women’s rights in Yemen amid ongoing conflict.
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