The Ministry of Human Rights condemns the Houthi militia’s siege of Taiz and the cutting off of supplies to residents.

Ministry of Human Rights Condemns Houthi Siege on Taiz

The Ministry of Human Rights has condemned the ongoing actions of Houthi militias, labeling their claims of opening roads as misleading. The ministry highlighted that these militias continue to attack and control supply routes, effectively closing them to residents and humanitarian shipments.

Misleading Claims and Reality of the Siege

In a recent statement, the ministry asserted that the Houthi claims do not alter the reality of the siege. It emphasized that the true measure of opening roads lies in the safe movement of people and the actual delivery of supplies to residents. The ministry insisted that these rights should not be subjected to pressure or extortion.

Escalating Restrictions in Taiz

The ministry warned of the severe consequences stemming from the Houthi militias tightening their siege on the city of Taiz. Following extensive attacks in surrounding areas, the militias have gained control over the road linking Taiz to supply routes to other governorates. This situation has led to halted traffic and disrupted the delivery of essential shipments.

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies

The closure of this road exacerbates the effects of the siege that residents of Taiz have endured for twelve years. It threatens to worsen shortages of food, medicine, and fuel within the city. Additionally, it hampers the delivery of supplies to markets and vital facilities, complicating the transportation of patients needing treatment outside the city. This situation places critically ill individuals at direct risk and increases the financial burdens on families already strained by years of war and blockade.

Urgent Call for Action

In light of the appeal from the Governor of Taiz on October 11, along with health warnings regarding dwindling medical supplies and fuel, the ministry stressed that any response can no longer afford delays. The disruption of supplies threatens the continuity of emergency services, surgical operations, intensive care, kidney dialysis, and neonatal care. It places patients, the injured, pregnant women, and newborns at avoidable risks, which can be mitigated by securing urgent needs and ensuring access to care.

Accountability for Civilian Safety

The ministry holds the Houthi militias and their leaders accountable for intensifying the siege and closing supply routes. These actions endanger civilian lives and deprive them of food, medicine, and healthcare. The ministry emphasized that protecting civilians and ensuring access to their basic needs, as well as safeguarding patients and healthcare facilities, are obligations that should not be compromised. It stated that depriving residents of essential life resources cannot be justified by any military or political considerations.

International Community’s Role

The ministry called on the United Nations and international humanitarian and human rights organizations to respond urgently to the gravity of the situation. It urged the international community to exert effective pressure to lift the siege and guarantee safe and sustainable humanitarian access. The ministry reiterated that the priority must be to deliver life-saving supplies, ensure the continuity of healthcare facilities and vital services, and translate humanitarian appeals into tangible actions that reach the population and mitigate the dangers they face.

Ongoing Monitoring of Violations

The Ministry of Human Rights confirmed its commitment to monitoring and documenting violations related to the siege and their impact on civilians. It will continue to engage with relevant authorities to support protection and accountability efforts. The ministry stressed that the severity of the situation in Taiz necessitates urgent measures to ensure access to essential needs and the continuation of life-saving services.

To follow the news in Arabic