Grundberg Highlights Houthi Abuses Against Detainees and Civilian Targeting to the Security Council
Yemen Monitor/ Newsroom:
UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Wednesday highlighted the Houthi violations against prisoners and detainees in the group’s prisons, as well as the targeting of civilians in the governorate of Taiz (southwest of the country).
This came in a new briefing by the UN envoy presented to the Security Council, which held a session to discuss the Yemeni file and the efforts of the stalled peace process for more than a year.
Grundberg said, “This month marks six months since Ansar Allah group (Houthis) began a campaign of arbitrary arrests, which is a flagrant violation of basic human rights, and some are still deprived of even the most basic human right of making a phone call to their families.”
He pointed out that “the recent violence in Taiz, including the deadly airstrike by a drone on a market in Maqbana, highlights the urgent need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.”
The UN envoy affirmed, “Such incidents highlight the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement.”
He continued, “It is worrying that partisan interests are increasingly threatening civil society, narrowing the civic space, and targeting participants in meetings.”
He pointed out that “this is not only a restriction of their work and intimidation of them, but also a violation of their rights, which undermines the necessary foundations for a comprehensive process.”
Addressing the Yemeni parties, Grundberg told the Security Council, “I call for serious engagement with the efforts I am leading to implement the roadmap, which aims to achieve a ceasefire, implement economic measures including the sustainable payment of salaries, and pave the way for a comprehensive political process. I firmly believe that this goal is still achievable.”
Grundberg added, “However, taking the necessary steps, making concessions, and focusing sincerely on Yemen are essential if the parties seek to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis and restore hope for a future of peace.”
