Executive Summary

Yemen is entering its tenth year of protracted conflict, which has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Yemeni civilians have faced various challenges and forms of suffering throughout this decade, with numerous atrocities and violations committed against them. Parties to the conflict in Yemen have acted in defiance of international humanitarian law and human rights law, showing blatant disregard for the principles governing armed conflicts by committing thousands of egregious violations.

This report, the seventh annual report issued by Mwatana for Human Rights, sheds light on the human rights situation in Yemen, highlighting the violations, events, and challenges witnessed in Yemen during the year 2023. The aim of this report is to expose the most prominent violations committed by various parties to the conflict, including the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group, the Southern Transitional Council with its various factions, the internationally recognized government forces, and the Saudi/UAE-led coalition forces, as well as the Joint Forces. This is crucial to understanding the extent and types of violations committed and presenting a clear picture of the suffering endured by Yemenis throughout years of armed conflict, particularly during the year 2023.

The findings of this report are based on interviews conducted by Mwatana’s field team, comprising researchers, lawyers, and activists across various governorates. The field team conducted 2,641 interviews with primary sources, covering 1,418 violation incidents in different areas and governorates. Additionally, the report incorporates findings from field visits, hundreds of supporting documents, and regular updates on Yemen's situation throughout the year. Statistics and publications from international organizations and agencies concerned with the situation in Yemen have also been considered.

The report comprises an introduction, eight main chapters, and recommendations. The chapters are categorized by type, with each addressing a set of topics or violations sharing common characteristics. Chapter One covers five main themes: the origins and nature of the armed conflict in Yemen; the map of control by parties to the conflict and key events during 2023; the humanitarian situation; the classification of the conflict  according to international law; and international engagement with the Yemeni file, including peace efforts.

Chapters Two through Eight highlight the most noticeable violations documented by Mwatana during the year. Chapter Two examines violations resulting in killing and maiming, including drone strikes, ground attacks, landmine explosions, detonation of explosive devices, use of live bullets, and military vehicle collisions. Chapter Three addresses violations related to torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and other forms of inhuman treatment and degrading punishment.

Chapter Four reviews violations against vital civilian objects and facilities, including attacks on educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Chapters Five to Eight address violations such as recruitment and use of children, denial of humanitarian access, sexual violence, and restrictions on civic space and freedoms.

The sub-sections of Chapters Two through Eight comprise introductions, legal frameworks for each pattern of violations, and sections devoted to reviewing examples and cases to illustrate each pattern.

The report details a total of 1,418 documented violations committed by various parties to the conflict in Yemen during 2023, resulting in the deaths of 190 civilians, including 107 children and 19 women, and injuring 405 civilians, including 208 children and 44 women. Additionally, approximately 789 civilians, including 239 children and 26 women, fell victim to other types of violations such as child recruitment, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture. It is important to note that these figures represent only what Mwatana's team was able to document and do not encompass all violations committed.

In its annual briefing on the human rights situation in Yemen for 2023, Mwatana had published violation incidents documented by its team up to the end of November, excluding those documented in December. However, this report includes all incidents that occurred throughout 2023 as documented by the team. According to the report's findings, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group bears responsibility for 828 violation incidents out of the total, while the Southern Transitional Council is responsible for 247 violation incidents. The internationally recognized government forces are accountable for 246 violation incidents, Saudi/UAE-led coalition forces, including Saudi Border Guards, are responsible for 47 violation incidents, and the Joint Forces are accountable for 17 violation incidents. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is responsible for 5 violation incidents, while non-state actors and unauthorized forces, including human trafficking and smuggling gangs, are responsible for 28 violation incidents.

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