Investigative Committee Documents Testimonies of Human Rights Violation Victims in Ataq and Bayhan, Shabwah, Eastern Yemen
Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The National Committee to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations has conducted a series of field hearing sessions in the districts of Ataq and Bayhan in Shabwah governorate. This is part of its ongoing field program to document violations and collect direct testimonies from victims.
During the visit, Committee member Judge Dr. Dhia Muhairez listened to the testimonies of 37 victims in Bayhan district and 42 victims and eyewitnesses in Ataq district. These included shocking accounts documenting various violations affecting the rights to physical and psychological integrity, freedom of movement, work, and access to healthcare and food.
The violations documented included arbitrary arrest, torture, landmine planting, house bombings, targeting of civilians, and aerial bombardment. According to the victims’ accounts, these incidents left lasting physical and psychological effects. The victims clearly demanded accountability for the perpetrators, reparations for damages, and the achievement of justice.
The committee’s team also conducted field visits to several IDP camps in the two districts, including Al-Sharkha, Al-Wusta, and Al-Muthallal. There, they documented the reasons that forced residents to displace and observed their difficult humanitarian conditions, amidst a severe shortage of basic services and difficulties in managing camp affairs.
The committee affirmed that these sessions are part of its adopted documentation and investigation mechanisms. Live testimonies from victims are considered a crucial tool in verifying violations and determining responsibilities, within the framework of its efforts to ensure accountability and prevent impunity.
