The Yemeni government accused Houthi militias of forcibly displacing nearly 1,400 residents from the Harib district in the southern province of Marib over the past seven months. This is despite the UN-brokered ceasefire that has been in place for a year and a half.
This comes at a time when the UN has affirmed that 98% of African migrants flowing into Yemen are seeking employment, and 85% of them originate from rural areas in their own countries. Their migration is not driven by political motives.
According to the Human Rights Ministry bureau in Marib province, the Houthi militia has targeted homes in the Al-Ghneim area of the Harib district, as part of their ongoing assault on villages and residential areas within the district.
The most recent attack occurred earlier this week when the area was struck by rockets and drones, resulting in the destruction and burning of numerous houses and the forced displacement of dozens of families. Additionally, several farms were also destroyed.
Authorities reported that this bombardment has led to the displacement of 213 families since the beginning of 2023. The Houthis have also demolished and set fire to dozens of houses and farms owned by the residents.
In an official statement, authorities asserted that these crimes and grave violations fall within the category of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
They constitute a blatant violation of all international laws, values, and treaties. The office affirmed that all of these violations and crimes are documented and recorded, and they will not be subject to statute of limitations.
The perpetrators will face deterrent punishment, and justice will be achieved for the victims, sooner or later.
The Yemeni Human Rights Ministry called upon the UN, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and all organizations concerned with human rights to condemn these “terrorist” acts against civilians and to take strong and serious stances against the Houthi militia, categorizing it as a terrorist organization.
