Taiz – SAM for Rights and Liberties, in cooperation with the Community Reconciliation and Consensus Committee, announced that it has sent an official letter to the local authority in Taiz Governorate, calling for urgent and systematic measures to address the issue of homes and properties that have not been vacated, considering it one of the most prominent ongoing violations of property rights in the context of the armed conflict.

The organization noted that the continued use of residential homes and public buildings by military entities or influential individuals outside legal frameworks constitutes not only a clear violation of property rights, but also reflects a structural deficiency in law enforcement, undermines public trust in state institutions, and threatens prospects for stability and the restoration of the social fabric.

The letter further explained that the community initiative “Homes Not Vacated and Not Returned to Their Owners,” implemented under the (SPARK) project, has achieved tangible results. These include the peaceful restitution of approximately 60 houses and apartments to their rightful owners, the provision of legal and psychological support to those affected, the documentation of cases within an organized database, and the development of coordination mechanisms that have helped reduce tensions associated with eviction processes.

Despite these efforts, the organization stressed that addressing this issue cannot rely solely on community initiatives, but requires direct institutional intervention to ensure a clear legal and procedural framework capable of addressing the complex challenges involved, including limited housing alternatives, economic pressures, and the complexities of the security situation.

The letter called on the local authority to adopt a set of measures, including: establishing a transparent and documented mechanism to regulate eviction and handover processes; strengthening coordination among official bodies through regular meetings; providing the necessary resources for the relevant committees; and developing a humanitarian plan to address the situation of families residing in these buildings, ensuring they are not exposed to displacement or undue hardship.

It also emphasized the importance of integrating this issue within the framework of transitional justice and reparations, in a manner that contributes to rebuilding trust between society and the state and prevents the recurrence of property-related disputes.

SAM Organization and the Reconciliation Committee concluded by affirming that addressing this issue constitutes a fundamental entry point for strengthening the rule of law and restoring rights, calling for an urgent governmental response based on a balanced legal and humanitarian approach.

The full letter is attached.