Yemen participates in the joint Arab meeting to assess legal frameworks addressing the rights and needs of terrorism victims.

Yemen Participates in Arab Meeting on Legal Frameworks for Victims of Terrorism

Yemen recently participated in a joint Arab meeting focused on evaluating legal frameworks and strategies aimed at protecting and promoting the rights and needs of terrorism victims. The event took place at the General Secretariat in Cairo and was organized by the Legal Affairs Sector, specifically the Counter-Terrorism Department. Yemen’s delegation was led by Dr. Ali Mousa, the acting ambassador to the Arab League.

Yemen’s Struggles with Terrorism

In his address, Dr. Mousa highlighted the severe impact of terrorism on Yemen since 2014, following the Houthi militia’s coup against the legitimate government. He emphasized that the militia has systematically violated international law, humanitarian law, and human rights standards for nearly a decade.

Atrocities Committed by Houthi Militias

Dr. Mousa stated, "The Houthi militias have committed numerous crimes against civilians, including targeting civilian structures with ballistic missiles and drones. These attacks have resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily among women and children, and have displaced over four million people into harsh internal camps."

He further noted that the militia has employed starvation as a weapon of war by besieging cities and villages, restricting civilians’ access to water and food. They have also destroyed schools, hospitals, and places of worship, while recruiting children in so-called summer camps, indoctrinating them with ideas of hatred and extremism, and sending them to the frontlines.

Systematic Oppression and Human Rights Violations

Dr. Mousa asserted that these terrorist actions form part of a systematic policy by the oppressive militia. They aim to settle scores with their adversaries, suppress free speech, and intimidate politicians, journalists, and activists in areas under their control. This repression prevents citizens from expressing dissent and demanding their rights to live freely and with dignity.

Humanitarian Crisis and Political Manipulation

The militia exploits human suffering for political and military gain, systematically imposing restrictions on humanitarian operations and diverting aid away from those in need. Dr. Mousa described the escalating violations as clear evidence that the Houthi militia will continue its cycle of violence and destruction, particularly in light of the international community’s silence and failure to provide necessary support to protect civilians.

Call for Collective Action

Dr. Mousa called for a serious collective stance from the international community, including the inclusion of the Houthi militia and its leaders on sanctions lists. He emphasized that the militia’s actions reinforce the belief that they are not a peace project or a temporary threat, but rather a persistent danger to international peace and security.

Urgent Need for Strong Decisions

He urged for decisive actions to bolster resilience against the militia’s aggression, including the strict implementation of the Arab League Council’s decision to classify the Houthi militia as a foreign terrorist organization.

Dr. Mousa concluded by stating that a collective position, alongside the classification decision, would unequivocally demonstrate commitment to the charters of the Arab League and the United Nations. It would also send a strong message to all militias challenging the state’s exclusive right to wield arms and make decisions regarding peace and war.

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