Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that the practices carried out by the Houthi group and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) against citizens from northern governorates—including acts of restriction, detention, and forced deportation—constitute a blatant violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The organization warned that continued inaction by relevant parties and the international community would only reinforce a climate of impunity and further deepen the country’s internal divisions and deteriorating human rights situation.
SAM reported that STC-affiliated forces prevented dozens of travelers from northern governorates from entering the city of Aden at security checkpoints in the Al-Farsha area, located in the Tur Al-Baha district of Lahj Governorate, without providing any clear legal justification. As a result, many travelers were forced to turn back, while others were subjected to intensive searches and interrogations based on regional identity—an explicit violation of their right to free and safe movement within the country.
The organization added that STC forces in Socotra detained over twenty citizens from northern governorates in various parts of Hadibu city and forcibly deported them on a small fishing boat to the governorates of Al-Mahrah and Al-Mukalla without informing their families or providing any legal guarantees. Additionally, those forces closed down approximately 18 commercial shops owned by northern citizens on accusations of selling or promoting qat, without judicial orders or official warrants.
SAM quoted the spokesperson for the Southern Transitional Council forces, Mohammed Al-Naqeeb, as saying that the actions taken against travelers in Lahj, including preventing them from entering Aden, were “routine” security procedures that do not target any specific group. He noted that traffic flow is normal and that all travelers are treated in accordance with the law. He added that the measures are part of the regular duties of the security checkpoints aimed at maintaining order, calling on the public to verify information from official sources and not to be misled by what he described as “malicious rumors” intended to distort the image of the security forces and undermine their efforts.
In the same context, SAM reported that the Houthi group has, for over two weeks, continued to block the entry of imported livestock and cattle into areas under its control via the Al-Rahida crossing in Taiz Governorate, citing the aim of achieving “self-sufficiency.” This decision has caused significant financial losses for traders due to rising costs of fodder and water, in addition to the increased risk of disease and death among the livestock caused by prolonged exposure to unsuitable conditions. According to Al-Masdar Online, the Houthis issued this decision without prior notice or the provision of alternatives.
SAM affirmed that these practices represent a systematic pattern of behavior that amounts to racial discrimination and deepens geographical and societal fragmentation. Moreover, these actions severely violate the core principles of national constitutional law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirms the right to freedom of movement and the right not to be discriminated against based on origin, geographic affiliation, or political opinion. These violations also contravene Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stipulates that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.”
The organization stated that these practices—carried out by various actors in the country—reflect a growing crisis in the rule of law and further exacerbate the humanitarian and living conditions of civilians. They also contribute to widening the societal divide in Yemen and foster an atmosphere of discrimination and marginalization, at a time when the country urgently needs unity, social cohesion, and civil peace.
SAM pointed out that the continuation of such violations will have catastrophic consequences for the social fabric of Yemen, posing a direct threat to the prospects of transitional justice and undermining future efforts toward national reconciliation.
The organization called on the Southern Transitional Council forces to immediately cease all arbitrary measures with a regional bias, which repeatedly target citizens from northern governorates. It emphasized the need to restore the dignity of victims who were subjected to bans, deportations, or harassment, and to launch transparent and impartial investigations into the violations committed in areas such as Aden and Socotra, ensuring accountability and non-repetition.
SAM also urged the Houthi group to end its policy of economic restriction against civilians, as reflected in the recent decision to block the entry of imported livestock into its areas of control. This decision has inflicted severe harm on both traders and the general population. The organization stressed that those affected are entitled to fair compensation and called for the adoption of equitable economic policies that alleviate the suffering of the people, rather than worsening their hardship.
The organization further stressed that all Yemeni parties must refrain entirely from using authority for regional or political purposes and must work seriously to promote coexistence and mutual respect among citizens, as this is the only viable path toward building a state governed by law and putting an end to the fragmentation and division plaguing the country.
Finally, SAM highlighted the crucial role the international community can play at this stage, including support for independent monitoring and documentation mechanisms, empowering civil society organizations to operate in a safe environment, and expanding sanctions on individuals and entities involved in serious violations against civilians. Such actions would strengthen accountability efforts and help curb the ongoing culture of impunity.