The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the United Nations to urgently act to stop Houthi landmine planting and expand removal efforts.
- The ministry emphasized the need to expand mine clearance programs, decontaminate affected areas, and assist victims, warning of catastrophic long-term humanitarian consequences that threaten civilian lives.
- This practice leads to civilian casualties almost daily, including women and children, especially in the southern suburbs of the city and areas near front lines.
- The presence of these landmines and unexploded ordnance poses severe risks to the safety and livelihoods of the population.
- Support for National Mine Action Program The ministry stressed the importance of supporting the National Mine Action Program and strengthening its capabilities.
Urgent Call to Action Against Landmines in Yemen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has urged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and relevant international organizations to take immediate action to halt the ongoing planting of anti-personnel landmines by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in several provinces. The ministry emphasized the need to expand mine clearance programs, decontaminate affected areas, and assist victims, warning of catastrophic long-term humanitarian consequences that threaten civilian lives.
Condemnation of Houthi Practices
In a memorandum addressed to the UNDP Resident Representative in Yemen, the ministry condemned the Houthis for their continued and indiscriminate landmine planting, particularly in populated villages and areas. The ministry holds the militias fully responsible for the humanitarian outcomes resulting from these actions.
Reports of Landmine Planting
The memorandum highlighted reports indicating that the militias have been planting landmines and disguised explosive devices in mountainous areas, secondary roads, and the homes of displaced persons in the rural areas of Taiz Governorate. This practice leads to civilian casualties almost daily, including women and children, especially in the southern suburbs of the city and areas near front lines.
Yemen’s Landmine Crisis
The ministry confirmed that Yemen ranks among the most landmine-contaminated countries globally, as the Houthi militias continue their planting activities. The presence of these landmines and unexploded ordnance poses severe risks to the safety and livelihoods of the population.
Children as Primary Victims
The ministry noted that children represent the majority of victims due to landmine explosions while herding livestock, playing, or navigating rough secondary roads that civilians must use because of the blockade on cities and main roads.
Demands for International Action
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the UNDP and concerned organizations to clearly condemn these practices and to act urgently in coordination with relevant UN bodies. They urged pressure on the Houthi militias to cease the planting of anti-personnel landmines and to enhance mine clearance, awareness programs about landmine risks, and support for victims.
Support for National Mine Action Program
The ministry stressed the importance of supporting the National Mine Action Program and strengthening its capabilities. This support will enable the Republic of Yemen to fulfill its obligations under the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel mines of 1997, as well as international humanitarian law and related international agreements.
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