The Chairman of the Leadership Council reaffirms the state’s commitment to strengthening institutions that uphold human rights and enforce the rule of law.

On Tuesday, President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, welcomed the National Committee for Investigating Allegations of Human Rights Violations. The committee, led by Judge Ahmed Saeed Al-Maflahi, presented the President with the twelfth annual report.

Acknowledgment of Efforts

During the meeting, President Alimi praised the significant efforts made by the National Committee in various provinces. He emphasized the commitment of the Council and the government to provide necessary support for the committee’s mission. This support includes strengthening human rights, security, and judicial institutions that uphold human rights and enforce the rule of law.

Confidence in Coordinated Actions

President Alimi expressed his confidence in the committee’s ability to implement coordinated measures with relevant authorities. These measures aim to monitor and document all violations against civilians while reducing instances of impunity. The President specifically highlighted the need to address violations and violence against women, children, journalists, and human rights activists.

Call for Government Support

In the meeting, President Alimi reiterated his call for the government and relevant entities to facilitate the committee’s work. He urged them to responsibly address the findings in the committee’s reports, recognizing them as the nationally and internationally agreed-upon mechanism for conducting professional and impartial investigations into human rights violations.

Comprehensive Documentation of Violations

The National Committee’s report covers the period from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. It documents approximately 3,055 allegations of human rights violations across various provinces, encompassing over 36 types of violations that resulted in 13,028 victims of both genders.

Detailed Briefing on Committee Activities

President Alimi listened to a detailed briefing from the committee’s president and members regarding the report. They discussed the committee’s activities over the past period, including documentation, investigation, judicial referrals, and inspections of prisons and detention centers. They also addressed the necessary facilities required to fulfill their duties under relevant national and international laws.

Total Violations Recorded

The committee reported a total of 29,701 documented violations from its establishment in January 2016 until the release of the twelfth report. These violations resulted in 63,772 victims.

Specific Cases of Concern

According to the new report, the committee recorded and investigated 694 incidents of killing and injury among civilians. Additionally, there were 126 allegations of child recruitment under the age of 18, 17 claims of attacks on cultural and historical properties, and three cases involving targeting medical personnel and facilities.

Findings on Forced Displacement and Other Violations

The report indicates that the committee concluded investigations into 165 cases of forced displacement, both collective and individual. It also documented over 655 instances of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, along with 128 cases of landmine explosions, resulting in 52 fatalities, primarily among women and children. Furthermore, the report noted 22 cases of house demolitions, attributing these violations solely to the Houthi militia.

Violations of Freedom of Expression

The report also documented numerous violations related to freedom of opinion and expression, torture, inhumane treatment, and extrajudicial killings. These findings underscore the ongoing challenges faced in protecting human rights in the region.

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