The National Investigation Committee concludes its visit to villages in Hifan, Taiz, documenting 340 violations.

The National Committee for Investigating Allegations of Human Rights Violations has completed a comprehensive four-day field investigation in the villages and districts of Hifan, located in the southern part of Taiz Governorate. This marks the committee’s first on-site assessment of human rights violations in this area.

Field Visits to Affected Areas

The investigation included visits to the districts of Al-Abous, Al-Athawir, and Al-Mafalis. Committee teams conducted direct inspections of both private and public properties that suffered damage due to indiscriminate shelling by Houthi militias. The team specifically examined the villages of Al-Dabab, Al-Hajma, Al-Sabud, Al-Kharijah, Al-Udhayr, and Al-Mashawaz, documenting the impact of the attacks.

Documenting Violations and Victims

Under the leadership of committee member Ishraq Al-Maqtari, the team recorded 340 incidents of violations related to international humanitarian law. These violations resulted in numerous casualties, including both fatalities and injuries. During separate sessions, the field team interviewed 1,020 victims, witnesses, and informants, meticulously documenting their accounts and the specific demands of the victims and their families. They also assessed the effects of shelling, sniper fire, and landmines on the lives and safety of civilians.

Impact on Women and Children

The committee found that most victims were women and children, who continue to bear visible scars from the violations. Many suffered from amputations, deformities, fractures, and some have lost their ability to move or see.

Assessment of Infrastructure Damage

The committee examined remnants of munitions that targeted main roads, public water tanks, and three schools in the region: November 30, Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, and Omar Ibn Al-Khattab. They evaluated the extensive physical damage caused by artillery shelling, which severely affected the schools and their facilities.

The team specifically noted the complete destruction of Khalid Ibn Al-Walid School, which had provided education to 518 primary students. The school has remained closed for two years, leading to a significant dropout rate among children.

Encountering Displaced Individuals

The committee also met with dozens of forcibly displaced individuals who had to abandon their homes under threat of violence. Many now live in dire conditions in the open or in the mountains.

Gathering Evidence and Assessing Daily Struggles

The committee collected physical evidence, photographs, videos, and reports. They conducted both individual and group interviews with several victims of landmines planted near water wells and firewood collection areas. The team assessed the current situation faced by these victims and their daily struggles.

Understanding Material Losses and Ongoing Hardships

The investigation provided a close look at the material losses suffered by citizens in terms of lives and property. The committee highlighted the ongoing oppression and punitive measures faced by residents in the villages and districts of Al-Abous, Al-Athawir, and Al-Mafalis in this mountainous region.

This thorough investigation underscores the urgent need for accountability and support for the victims of these human rights violations in Taiz.

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