Rights Network Condemns STC Violations in Hadramowt and the Siege of Al-Hamoum Tribes
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has expressed its strong condemnation of the “grave and systematic violations” committed by forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) against civilians in Hadramowt Governorate. These violations contravene the Yemeni Constitution, national laws, and international obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian law.
Based on reliable field information and matching testimonies, the Network documented raids on civilian homes, campaigns of arbitrary arrest, and enforced disappearances. These acts violate the rights to liberty, personal security, the rule of law, the sanctity of the home, and fair trial guarantees; they constitute internationally prohibited arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance.
The field team recorded the imposition of a comprehensive and illegal military siege on populated areas within the territory of the Al-Hamoum tribes, including Wadi Khard, Halfoun, and Ghayl Bin Yamin.
The siege has resulted in restrictions on freedom of movement, prevented the transport of patients and emergency cases, obstructed access to health services, and involved assaults on private property alongside widespread looting and theft.
Under international humanitarian law, these actions are classified as grave violations and prohibited crimes, especially against a civilian population in areas free of direct hostilities. The siege is considered prohibited collective punishment and political persecution due to the Al-Hamoum tribes’ rejection of the STC’s project, violating principles of non-discrimination and freedom of opinion and expression by using force for political coercion.
The targeting and storming of residential neighborhoods based on political stances is a serious crime and may rise to the level of violations requiring individual criminal accountability—which is not subject to a statute of limitations—if its systematic and widespread nature is proven.
The Network held the leadership of the STC fully responsible for these violations. It demands an immediate end to the siege, collective punishment, and repressive practices, as well as the unconditional lifting of the blockade on the Al-Hamoum tribal areas while ensuring freedom of movement and access to health and humanitarian services.
Furthermore, it called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained, the disclosure of the fate of the forcibly disappeared, and the opening of urgent, independent, and effective investigations to hold those responsible accountable according to international justice standards.
The Network called upon the international community, UN bodies, and specialized mechanisms to fulfill their responsibilities to protect civilians in Hadramowt, respect international humanitarian law, and prevent impunity for the perpetrators.
The Network affirmed its continued commitment to monitoring and documenting violations with neutrality and professional objectivity according to international standards. It invited the people of Hadramowt, victims, and witnesses to report any violations for legal documentation and the preparation of files for national and international accountability.
