Annual Briefing on the Human Rights Situation in Yemen for 2024
In its annual briefing on the human rights situation for 2024, Mwatana for Human Rights reported that it documented 1499 incidents of violations committed by various parties to the conflict in Yemen during the year. These violations resulted in the deaths of 181 civilians, including 45 children and two women, and the injury of 471 civilians, including 220 children and 32 women. Additionally, approximately 1248 civilians, including 246 children and 39 women, were victims of other forms of violations such as child recruitment, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and forced displacement.
The organization emphasized that the documented incidents and figures in the briefing represent only what Mwatana's field team was able to verify and do not encompass all the violations that occurred during the year.
According to the briefing, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 867 of the documented violations. The internationally recognized government, including formations affiliated with the Islah Party, was responsible for 264 violations. The Southern Transitional Council was responsible for 265 violations. The Saudi/UAE-led coalition was responsible for 31 violations, while the Joint Forces accounted for 32 violations. Individuals and non-authoritative groups were responsible for 14 violations. Eritrean forces were responsible for eight incidents of violations, the U.S./UK-led coalition for seven incidents, Israeli forces for eight incidents, and terrorist organizations for three of the documented violations.
Mwatana stated that its field team, comprising researchers and lawyers, conducted 2771 interviews during the reporting period with survivors, victims’ families and friends, healthcare workers, first responders, and eyewitnesses. These interviews were conducted after obtaining informed consent and explaining the purpose of the documentation. The field team also carried out numerous field visits across various regions, including high-risk areas. Mwatana obtained hundreds of corroborative documents, including photographs, reports, identity documents, and videos. All documented incidents were reviewed and verified by central researchers, legal experts, research officers, legal support teams, and relevant administrative units.
Mwatana highlighted that arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance were among the most prominent human rights violations documented in 2024. These violations topped the list of documented patterns alongside attacks on schools and their use for military purposes. This reflects a marked deterioration in Yemen’s human rights and humanitarian situation, where arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance are used to silence dissenting voices and create an environment of fear and intimidation.
Radhya Al-Mutawakel, Chairperson of Mwatana for Human Rights, stated:
“During the first half of 2024, Yemen witnessed relative calm, coinciding with a decrease in large-scale military operations. However, the parties to the conflict continued to commit widespread violations. The reduction in military operations did not translate into an improvement in the human rights situation, which worsened amid escalations on various levels in the second half of 2024.”
She added:
“Yemen remains trapped in a cycle of conflict and crises, and Yemenis continue to endure various forms of suffering and harm. This requires genuine and effective steps to mitigate the ongoing violations and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.”
To Provide a Clear Picture of the Human Rights Situation in 2024, Mwatana for Human Rights highlights in its annual briefings the key violations it documented in 2024, committed by various parties to the conflict in Yemen. These include the Saudi/UAE-led coalition, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group, the Southern Transitional Council and its various formations, the internationally recognized government including Islah-affiliated forces, the Joint Forces, Eritrean forces, terrorist organizations, the U.S./UK-led coalition, Israeli forces, and other non-state actors. The violations are outlined as follows:
First: Violations of Arbitrary Detention, Enforced Disappearance, and Torture
Violations of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture—topped the list of documented abuses committed by various parties to the conflict in 2024. Mwatana for Human Rights documented 420 cases of arbitrary detention, 131 cases of enforced disappearance, 76 cases of torture, and three cases of abduction.
The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 293 of the documented incidents. Among their actions were widespread campaigns of arbitrary detention and repression, including a large-scale crackdown in June targeting employees of local and international organizations in areas under their control. Another campaign targeted activists, human rights defenders, influencers, and other civilians during the 62nd anniversary celebrations of the September 26 Revolution.
The Southern Transitional Council was responsible for 161 incidents, while the internationally recognized government accounted for 140 cases. The Joint Forces were responsible for 14 incidents, Eritrean forces for eight, and the Saudi/UAE-led coalition for eight incidents. Additionally, other non-authoritative entities were responsible for 7 violations.
Second: Attacks on Vital Facilities
Mwatana for Human Rights documented 300 incidents of attacks on vital facilities, including 269 incidents targeting schools. Additionally, 31 incidents involved attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 248 incidents of attacks on and use of schools, as well as 19 incidents of attacks on and use of hospitals. The Southern Transitional Council was responsible for seven incidents of attacks on and use of schools and three incidents involving hospitals. The internationally recognized government was responsible for 11 incidents of attacks on and use of schools and nine incidents of attacks on and use of hospitals. The Joint Forces were responsible for two incidents of attacks on schools. The Saudi/UAE-led coalition was responsible for one incidents of attacks on schools.
Third: Landmines and Explosive Devices
Mwatana for Human Rights documented 115 incidents involving landmines and explosive devices, including 55 incidents of landmines and 60 incidents involving other explosive devices. These incidents encompassed the detonation of anti-personnel and anti-vehicle landmines, booby traps, disguised explosive devices, and remnants of weapons such as empty bullet casings, hand grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other ground-launched munitions. These incidents resulted in the deaths of 51 civilians, including 13 children and one woman, and injuries to 167 civilians, including 88 children and nine women.
The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 54 landmine incidents and 28 explosive device incidents. The internationally recognized government was responsible for 16 incidents involving explosive devices, while the Southern Transitional Council was responsible for 12 such incidents. The Saudi/UAE-led coalition was accountable for one incident involving explosive devices. Terrorist organizations were responsible for one landmine incidents and one involving an explosive device. Additionally, the Joint Forces were responsible for two incidents involving explosive devices.
Fourth: Child Recruitment and Use
Mwatana documented 102 cases of child recruitment and use during 2024:
• The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 73 cases.
• The internationally recognized government was responsible for 8 cases.
• The Southern Transitional Council was responsible for 21 cases.
Fifth: Use of Live Ammunition
Mwatana documented 79 incidents involving live ammunition, resulting in:
• 18 civilian deaths, including 5 children and one woman
• 85 civilian injuries, including 47 children and 10 women
The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 38 incidents, the internationally recognized government for 17 incidents, the Southern Transitional Council for 14 incidents, the Saudi/UAE-led coalition for 8 incidents, and the Joint Forces for 2 incidents.
These incidents involved both direct and ricocheted live ammunition, a pattern that has escalated and poses a significant threat to civilians despite a noticeable reduction in large-scale military operations and armed clashes. This ongoing pattern raises serious concerns about its continued impact on civilian lives over the years.
Sixth: Denial of Humanitarian Access
Mwatana for Human Rights documented 63 incidents of obstructing humanitarian aid during 2024. The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 40 incidents, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) for 10 incidents, the internationally recognized government for 10 incidents, and the Joint Forces for 3 incidents. These obstructions deprived dozens of impoverished families of their right to receive humanitarian aid. Documented methods of obstruction included restricting the movement of aid and humanitarian workers, reducing beneficiaries' rations, controlling distribution mechanisms, and interfering in the preparation of beneficiary lists.
Seventh: Restrictions on Public Freedoms
Mwatana documented 52 incidents of restricting public freedoms, including 37 cases of attacks on civic space, 11 cases of restricting freedom of movement, 2 cases of restricting freedom of expression, and 2 attacks on press freedom. The internationally recognized government was responsible for 23 incidents, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group for 20 incidents, the STC for 7 incidents, and the Joint Forces for 2 incidents.
Eighth: Ground Attacks
Mwatana documented 36 ground attacks, resulting in the deaths of 6 civilians, including 4 children, and injuries to 48 civilians, including 33 children and 5 women. The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 23 incidents, the Saudi/UAE-led coalition for 9 incidents, the internationally recognized government for 3 incidents, and the Joint Forces for one incident.
Ninth: Vehicular Assaults with Military Vehicles
During the reporting period, Mwatana documented 36 incidents of vehicular assaults with military vehicles, resulting in 5 civilian deaths, including 4 children, and injuries to 45 civilians, including 27 children and 6 women. The STC was responsible for 14 incidents, the internationally recognized government for 12, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group for 4, and the Joint Forces for 6 incidents.
Tenth: Sexual Violence
Mwatana documented 25 incidents of sexual violence in 2024, 24 of which involved child victims. The incidents included harassment, rape, and sexual exploitation. The STC was responsible for 10 incidents, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group for 5, the internationally recognized government for 3, the Saudi/UAE-led coalition for 1, and individuals and non-authoritative groups for 6 incidents.
Eleventh: Airstrikes
Mwatana documented 24 airstrikes, including 3 drone strikes and 7 by locally manufactured drones, resulting in 113 civilian injuries, including 20 children and one woman, and 24 civilian deaths, including 3 children. The Saudi/UAE-led coalition was responsible for 2 drone strike, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group for 6 locally manufactured drone strikes, the U.S./U.K.-led coalition for 7 airstrikes (1 of which was a drone strike), the internationally recognized government for 1 locally manufactured drone strike, and Israeli forces for 8 airstrikes.
Twelfth: Assaults on Civilians (Beatings and Stabbings)
Mwatana documented 10 incidents of assaults on civilians involving beatings and stabbings. The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 3 incidents, the internationally recognized government for 6 incidents, and the Saudi/UAE-led coalition for 1 incident.
Thirteenth: Extrajudicial Killings
Mwatana documented 9 incidents of extrajudicial killings—cases of killings conducted without legal procedures ensuring justice and fair trial standards—resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians, including 1 child. The STC was responsible for 5 incidents, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group for 2 incidents, and the internationally recognized government for 2 incidents.
Fourteenth: Other Violations
This section addresses patterns of violations with fewer than 8 documented incidents during the reporting period. These include:
1. Forced Displacement
Mwatana for Human Rights documented 7 incidents of forced displacement, resulting in the displacement of 8 civilians, including 3 children and 1 woman. The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 5 incidents, while the internationally recognized government responsible for 1 incident, The STC was responsible for 1 incident.
2. Mobilization
Mwatana documented 3 incidents of mobilization targeting school students in 2024. This included mobilization for events, training, military parades, and similar activities. The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for all documented incidents of mobilization during the year.
3. Looting of Property
Mwatana documented 3 incidents of property looting in 2024. The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for 2 incidents, while the internationally recognized government was responsible for 1 incident.
4. Attacks on Civilian Objects
Mwatana documented 2 incidents of an attack on civilian objects, The Ansar Allah (Houthi) group was responsible for one incident, while the internationally recognized government was responsible for one incident.
5. Forced Drowning
Mwatana documented 1 incident of forced drowning, which occurred on the Al-Ghareef coast in Shabwa Governorate in June 2024. African migrants were forced at gunpoint to jump from a boat into the sea. The incident resulted in the deaths of 54 migrants, including 4 children, the disappearance of 133 others, and the survival of 75 migrants, including 6 children. human smuggling and trafficking gangs, who are non-state actors, were responsible for this incident.
6. Terrorist Bombings
Mwatana documented 1 terrorist bombing incident in 2024, which occurred in Abyan Governorate. The bombing targeted a school occupied by the Southern Transitional Council (STC). Responsibility for the attack was attributed to terrorist organizations.
Fifteenth: The Humanitarian Situation in Yemen
Mwatana for Human Rights reported that the ongoing armed conflict, which has persisted for over a decade, has significantly deteriorated the humanitarian conditions for the population. Millions suffer from shortages of food, water, and healthcare. Restrictions on humanitarian aid, in its various forms, and the obstruction of its delivery to beneficiaries and the most vulnerable groups exacerbate the crisis facing Yemen's population.
Mwatana noted that the armed conflict has led to a sharp increase in the number of people vulnerable to poverty and famine. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 21.6 million people—around 70% of the population—require humanitarian assistance. Additionally, 17 million people face food insecurity, including 3.5 million suffering from acute malnutrition. Of these, 2.2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, according to World Bank statistics. Furthermore, 48% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition and stunting, putting them at risk of death without adequate treatment. This reflects the severity of the humanitarian situation and the direct impact of the conflict, particularly the restrictions on humanitarian aid, on the living conditions in Yemen.
Mwatana also highlighted the deterioration of the education sector during the years of war, exacerbated by various factors such as widespread destruction of schools. An estimated 3,500 schools have been completely destroyed due to the conflict, impeding access to education for approximately 2.5 million children. Some schools are being used as shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) or are occupied by armed groups, further worsening the education crisis. Additionally, poor security conditions, movement restrictions, ongoing threats, and a lack of resources, teachers, and curricula have affected the quality of education. Children exposed to traumatic events due to the war also face psychological challenges, negatively impacting their ability to learn and interact in school environments.
Mwatana added that the health sector, one of the most vital sectors, has suffered continuous deterioration since the beginning of the conflict. More than 50% of healthcare facilities are either damaged or unable to operate at full capacity. The shortage of essential medicines and medical supplies further illustrates the sector's decline. The spread of infectious diseases has also increased, with children being among the most affected by the health crisis and the deterioration of healthcare services in Yemen.
Peace Efforts
Mwatana for Human Rights emphasized that many developments during the year have undermined the prospects for peace that Yemenis aspire to achieve. These include the ceasefire agreement announced by the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on September 23, 2023.
Mwatana stated in its briefing that the recent escalation, exemplified by operations led by the "Prosperity Guardian" coalition, headed by the United States and the United Kingdom since December 18, 2023, and Israeli attacks on vital civilian infrastructure in Yemen—such as ports, power stations in Sana’a and Al Hudaydah, Sana’a International Airport, and other civilian sites—has further aggravated the situation. Simultaneously, the continued attacks by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group on ships bound for Israeli ports in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, along with missile strikes on certain Israeli cities, have coincided with Israeli military operations and atrocities in Gaza, Palestine. Renewed armed clashes in several Yemeni governorates, including Taiz, Marib, Lahj, and Al-Dhale, have introduced additional challenges.
These developments have negatively impacted human rights in Yemen and the humanitarian situation in multiple ways, including an increase in violations, heightened obstacles to humanitarian efforts, reduced civilian access to essential services, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on civil activities and public freedoms—especially freedom of movement, expression, and peaceful assembly. Additionally, these challenges have further eroded prospects for peace.
In the briefing, Mwatana called on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease violations, comply with the rules and principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, close illegal detention centers, release arbitrarily detained individuals, reveal the fate of forcibly disappeared persons, investigate human rights violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide redress for victims.
Mwatana renewed its call for the international community to push for a just and sustainable peace in Yemen, prioritize human rights issues in all programs and initiatives, work toward a permanent ceasefire, establish criminal investigation mechanisms to probe various violations—particularly the most serious international crimes—and advocate for referring the Yemen case to the International Criminal Court to ensure accountability, justice, and redress for victims of violations.
