Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties has issued its periodic report for March 2025, highlighting an alarming rise and diversification in human rights violations affecting civilians across Yemen. The report attributes these abuses to ongoing armed conflict, security chaos, and repressive policies by various parties to the conflict. SAM stressed that these violations pose a serious threat to human rights and demand urgent local and international intervention.
According to the report, violations this month included arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, violence against women, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, property seizures, landmine explosions, and restrictions on freedom of movement—indicating a widespread and recurring pattern of abuse throughout Yemeni regions.
Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance emerged as the most prominent violations, with cases targeting civilians, journalists, activists, and academics without legal basis, often involving methods that breach international law. Testimonies confirmed that detainees were subjected to torture and ill-treatment in unofficial detention centers.
SAM also reported increasing repression of freedom of expression, with several writers and activists targeted over their opinions, in what appeared to be systematic efforts to silence dissent.
The report further documented continuing abuses against Yemeni women, noting a deterioration in their conditions due to gender-based violence, lack of protective mechanisms, and political, social, and economic marginalization.
Additionally, SAM recorded airstrikes and military operations by U.S. forces in Yemen, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children, and damage to medical, educational, and residential infrastructure—clear violations of international humanitarian law.
The organization also reported multiple incidents involving landmines and explosive remnants, which killed or injured civilians, particularly in areas previously affected by conflict.
Violations also extended to public and private property. The report cited home and civilian facility raids and looting by the Houthi group, including humanitarian warehouses, reflecting blatant abuse of power and a lack of accountability.
Moreover, civilians in certain areas faced severe restrictions on freedom of movement and were harassed over travel or obtaining official documents. Violations also targeted essential sectors such as banking, as part of broader oppressive practices.
In conclusion, SAM emphasized the urgent need for international and UN interventions to pressure all parties to halt violations, protect civilians, and break the cycle of impunity fueling systematic abuse in Yemen.