On 15 September, ADHRB has delivered an oral intervention at the United Nation Human Rights Council session 51 under item 2, during the General debate. ADHRB draws the attention to the need to salvage the truce in Yemen before it’s too late.
Mr. President,
We welcome the report of the High Commissioner but express our dismay about the fragile status of the truce in Yemen.
On March 26, 2015, an aerial and naval blockade was imposed on food, medicine and fuel entering Yemen. By the end of 2016, about a 50% decline in these imports was recorded and continued to decline to 10% by the end of 2021 despite the establishment of the U.N. Verification and Inspection Mechanism designed to enforce an arms embargo while facilitating the unimpeded flow of commercial goods to Hodeida ports. To this date, the UNVIM has not put an end to the prevention nor delay on ships nor has it found any weapons. But the additional coercive measures implemented by the coalition and the internationally recognized government are the reason behind the detention or delays of the ships.
In March 2022, a truce was agreed to but was not fully implemented. Every two months, a total of 18 ships were supposed to be granted entry to the ports but this faced some delays and obstacles even though they have permits from the UNVIM. We demand a solution for this mechanism so it helps to reduce the suffering of Yemeni people.
Every week there were supposed to be at least 2 flights to two destinations but only one destination was operated. In addition, there was a halt on opening the roads in Taiz and other governorates in order to facilitate civilian mobility. Finally, despite having agreed to a complete ceasefire, violations continued to occur from both parties making the truce extremely fragile.
Mr. President
We draw your attention to the need to salvage this truce before it’s too late.
