On 16 November 2018, WASL partner Rasha Jarhum, Director of Peace Track Initiative and founding member of the Women Solidarity Network delivered a brief to the UN Security Council session on Yemen. The brief was developed jointly with the Women Solidarity Network members. A network of more than 250 Yemeni women inside and outside the country.
Yemen has been spiraling into a devastating war for over four years. In our country, there is a bleeding wound in every home, and a story of continuing loss and despair. Dying children scream “don’t bury me” as the conflict rages, but their cries go unnoticed.
The use of explosive weapons by the forces affiliated with the internationally recognized government and its allies in the Arab coalition, as well as by the Houthi armed group, has resulted in many civilian casualties. The warring parties continue to disregard international humanitarian law with virtual impunity–in Hodeida, in Taiz, and across the country. Meanwhile, actors directly or indirectly involved in the conflict are disregarding the main principles of the Arms Trade Treaty. The extensive use of landmines by the Houthis has resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries, and is a direct impediment to accessing aid. Future generations will pay the price.