Human rights ministry investigate rebels crimes against children and women

Rebels who surrender will be pardoned, al-Lawzi

The local authorities and security forces in the Sa’adah province would grant asylum to anyone from the rebel forces that surrenders themselves, said Yemeni government spokesman, Hassan al-Lawzi, on Tuesday.

“Everyone from the rebellion that surrenders themselves to the local authorities will be granted immunity from punishment,” al-Lawzi confirmed, saying that the door is open for those who would take the opportunity.

Lawzi also mentioned in this week’s press conference the Iranian ship that was seized by security authorities offshore last week.  He announced that the authorities would release the pictures of the five Iranians caught on-board to the media at the appropriate time.  Meanwhile, he reiterated that the ship and the Iranians were in custody, and that the investigation is currently in process.  Lawzi added that an in-depth investigation is required on account of the particular ports that the ship visited.

Yemen’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abu Bakr al-Qirbi, stated that the government is involved in a related investigation into Iranian support for al-Houthi rebels, adding that current incriminating facts point to some religious authorities inside and outside Iran.  He said that the government would openly publish the results of the investigations for public opinion, and he said that they are reserving judgment until all the facts are in.

On a related issue, the Minister of Public Health and Population, Abdul Kareem Rasa, reviewed the current conditions in the Mazrak IDP camp in the Hajjah province and briefed representatives of various international organizations on the human rights violations committed by the rebels throughout the Sa’adah province on Wednesday. Rasa mentioned as examples the rebel attacks on the internally displaced persons camps, as well as their recruitment of child soldiers.

Pratibha Mehta, the UNDP Resident Representative in Yemen, announced the readiness of her organization to support the Yemeni government in its efforts to prevent these violations.
Dr. Huda al-Ban, the Human Rights Minister, said that the Human Rights Ministry is currently investigating crimes committed by the rebels against civilians in Sa’adah, and is collecting testimonies from the victims.

 
“According to international agreements signed by the International Human Rights council, Yemen is bound to expose the violations and crimes committed by the rebels,” said Ms. al-Ban. “The testimonies of the citizens who witnessed the human rights violations are irrefutable.”

 
She also announced that organizations involved in the relief efforts, such as the United Nations, WHO  are monitoring and investigating the crimes committed by the rebels.

 
Dr. Abu Bakr al-Qirbi, Yemen’s Foreign Minister, stated that the Houthi rebels have intentionally targeted citizens and attacked their property in retaliation for the advancing progress made by the army.  The minister also referenced the numerous documented testimonies that the government has collected from those who have fled from the areas of conflict.

 
Al-Qirbi also spoke on another facet of the rebellion, the possible existence of a relationship between the al-Qaeda and al-Houthis.  The Minister disclosed that investigations had confirmed  shared contacts between the two parties for the coordination of their movements. Consequently, he said, the security authorities are following up on the matter.  Al-Qirbi reiterated that the influential leaders in both organizations have expressed their support and solidarity with the other.

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