Human Rights Report Exposes 13,000 Houthi Violations in Yemen’s Al-Bayda Over a Decade

A decade of Houthi militant control in Yemen’s Al-Bayda Governorate has resulted in nearly 13,000 documented human rights violations, according to a damning report released by the Center for Rights, Freedoms, and Development.

The findings, unveiled during a press conference titled “Humanity in Crisis” in Marib, paint a harrowing picture of systemic violence against civilians.

The report catalogues 12,989 violations, including:     823 civilians killed, with 30% women and children, 796 injured, including 35% women and children, 3,083 kidnappings and 6,500 forced displacements and Widespread destruction of public and private property.

In the first months of 2024 alone, 373 new violations were recorded, with hotspots including:

   Rada’a: 94 cases.

   Dhi Na’im District: 90 cases.

   Al-Zahir District: 44 cases.

The report warned that the true scale of violations is likely far higher, citing a Houthi-enforced media blackout and victims’ fear of retaliation. “These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg,” the report stated, emphasizing that many crimes go unreported.

The report urged the United Nations and international community to block arms flows to Houthis, launch an independent investigation into atrocities and ensure accountability for perpetrators to break Yemen’s cycle of violence.

“The world cannot turn a blind eye to Yemen’s suffering,” the report said, stressing that justice for Al-Bayda’s civilians is critical to lasting peace.