During a recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, the International Organization for the Least Developed Countries issued a stark warning regarding the situation in southern Yemen. The organization accused Saudi Arabia of expanding its political and military influence in the region, raising significant concerns about human rights violations and the erosion of international law.
The organization highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s military intervention in southern Yemen lacks a clear legal basis or mandate from the United Nations, questioning its legitimacy under international law. Reports indicate that Saudi airstrikes and the actions of Saudi-backed forces have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, which the organization characterized as serious violations of international humanitarian law. Additionally, there have been documented instances of live ammunition being used against peaceful demonstrators, along with the arrests and abductions of political activists and human rights defenders.
The briefing further accused Riyadh of attempting to reshape the political landscape in southern Yemen to align with its strategic interests. This includes the removal of Aidarus al-Zubaidi, the president of the Southern Transitional Council, from his role as Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council, as well as an alleged assassination attempt against him. The forced closure of Southern Transitional Council offices, reportedly transferred to extremist groups, was also noted as part of a systematic effort to impose a new political reality under Saudi influence.
The organization warned that ongoing external dominance and political repression could foster conditions conducive to the resurgence of extremist and terrorist groups, posing a threat not only to Yemen but to regional stability as well. Given Yemen’s strategic location near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime corridor, the implications of the current situation extend beyond its borders.
In light of these developments, the organization called for immediate action from the international community. It urged the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council to demand the withdrawal of Saudi forces from southern Yemen, deploy international monitors for civilian protection, establish an independent investigation into the reported violations, and ensure accountability for human rights abuses. The organization concluded by affirming the right of the people of southern Yemen to self-determination, emphasizing that military dominance and external pressure will only exacerbate the ongoing conflict.
