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Mwatana for Human Rights released a study on detention places in Yemen, covering the period 2015-2018 and seven Yemeni Governorates: the Capital Sana’a, Al Hudaydah, Aden, Hadhramaut, Taiz, Ibb, Ma'rib
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Sana’a – Mwatana for Human Rights released a study on detention places in Yemen, covering the period 2015-2018 and seven Yemeni Governorates: the Capital Sana’a, Al Hudaydah, Aden, Hadhramaut, Taiz, Ibb, Ma'rib.The study shows a common tendency not to inform the detainees of the reasons of their arrest and an increase of arrest cases related to the current conflict in an unofficial places under the control of different parties to conflict, notably Ansar Allah armed group (Houthis), Emirates forces in Yemen, Saudi/UAE-led military coalition, Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), resistance factions loyal to Yemeni government and coalition, and Hadrami Elite forces.The study, which is prepared in Arabic language and translated into English language, uses a descriptive approach for analyzing data collected through two different questionnaires, first designed for detainees, and the second for the officials in charge of detention places in Governorates covered by the study.The study was conducted during the period April – September 2018. The data have been collected by a team of field researchers in the seven Governorates. The study was reviewed by experts in international law.The pages study consists of six chapters. The first chapter defines the concepts used in the study; states the research’s problem and its dimensions and the objectives of the study; and outlines the spatial and temporal scope of the study. The second chapter describes the study’s methodology, tools and sample. To provide background on the subject of the study, the third chapter reviews the situation of human rights in Yemen during the period covered by the study, based on the human rights reports.The fourth, fifth and sixth chapters are confined to present and analyze the study’s results, with the fourth chapter analyzing the data from the questionnaires designed for detainees, the fifth chapter analyzing the data from the questionnaires designed for officials in charge of detention facilities, and the sixth chapter presenting the main results and recommendations of the study.The study finds a common tendency not to comply with legal procedures when carrying out an arrest or during the period of detention. The unofficial detention places were operated in bathrooms, residential and private buildings, and government civil and military buildings. The study also finds that detentions may take place without charges.The study shows that the officials in charge of detention places don’t respect the detainees’ right to legal representation during the investigations, nor referred detainees to the Office of the Public Prosecutor within 24 hours of arrest. It also demonstrates that detention places in Yemen doesn’t meet international and local standards in terms of location and main services necessary for such facilities.In addition, the detainees have been subjected to physical and mental attacks, as most detainees were not provided with free (sometimes even paid) meals, nor were allowed the use of paper or books. They also had no exposure to sunlight, and only rarely had the right to access medical care services when needed.The study finds that many detainees were subjected to pressure during investigations, and others were forced to sign statements. It also finds detainees were being tortured with electric shocks, burning, hanging, kicks and beatings with hand and sticks, and their ribs and fingers were being broken. They were subjected to verbal and physical attacks, and deprivation of food and drink as disciplinary measures after investigations.With a few exceptions, relating to visiting by family and friends, detainees had limited contact with the outside world.The study points out that it is norm rather than the exception that detention places were not subjected to regular inspection by the Office of the Public Prosecution and relevant agencies.The study made recommendations addressed to conflict parties implicated in human rights violations against detainees in Yemen, to civil society and local and international human rights organizations, and to United Nations and international community.One of the most important recommendations addressed to parties to conflict is to respect guarantees and rights established by national constitution and laws, and international treaties and instruments regulating custody procedures from carrying out arrests to conducting trials or releases.The study also presents recommendations addressed to civil society and local and international human rights organizations, key among which is to document professionally all violations against detainees so that documentation can be used in lobbying for detainees’ rights and for steps towards accountability and justice.Lastly, the study introduces recommendations to United Nations and international community, notably the recommendation that the way parties to conflict treat detainees be indicative of their respect for the rights and freedom of the citizens.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
