A protest in The Hague calls for pressure to end the siege of Taiz and hold the Houthis accountable for their violations.

Yemeni Community Protests in The Hague for Humanitarian Access in Taiz

A protest organized by the Yemeni community in the Netherlands took place in front of the Peace Palace in The Hague. Demonstrators urged the Dutch government to leverage its diplomatic influence directly and through the European Union and the United Nations. Their goal is to pressure the Houthi militia to permanently and safely open roads in Taiz Governorate, ensuring the delivery of food, fuel, medicine, and humanitarian aid. They also called for secure transport for the sick and wounded and an end to attacks targeting residential areas.

Calls for Independent Investigations

Participants in the protest, held under the slogan “Lift the Siege on Taiz… Stop the Houthi Threat,” urged the Dutch government to support independent investigations into the violations committed by the Houthi militia. These violations include targeting civilians, ambulances, and medical facilities. The protesters demanded accountability for those responsible and called for urgent assistance for displaced individuals, support for essential services, and the continued operation of hospitals.

International Coordination for Maritime Security

The statement issued during the protest emphasized the need for Dutch, European, and international coordination to protect navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The protesters called for measures to prevent the flow of illegal weapons and military technologies to the Houthi militia. They also advocated for efforts aimed at achieving a just peace that preserves the rights of Yemenis and upholds the rule of law.

Emphasis on Human Rights

The participants asserted that their demands are based on fundamental rights guaranteed by international charters, including the right to life, security, freedom of movement, and living with dignity. They urged the Dutch government to translate its commitment to human rights into tangible diplomatic actions and to engage officially with their requests.

Ongoing Violations in Yemen

The statement highlighted the ongoing Houthi violations in Yemen, particularly the siege of Taiz, repeated shelling of residential neighborhoods, and restrictions on civilian movement. It also noted the targeting of civilian objects in several governorates, resulting in significant human casualties and losses.

Humanitarian Crisis in Taiz

The protest underscored Taiz as a tragic example of the consequences of the siege and bombardment. Restrictions on road access have hindered the ability of the sick and wounded to reach healthcare facilities. The statement recounted several painful humanitarian incidents that reflect the suffering of civilians in the governorate.

Impact of Houthi Attacks

The statement pointed out that Houthi attacks have also targeted ambulances and civilian facilities. The effects of these violations have spread to multiple governorates amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, increased displacement, and a decline in essential services.

Commitment to Justice and International Law

The participants reiterated that their demonstration in front of the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice, symbolizes their commitment to the values of justice and international law. They expressed their hope for a more effective Dutch and international role in protecting Yemeni civilians and ending their suffering. They noted that Houthi threats have extended beyond Yemen’s borders, impacting international navigation security in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

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