Warnings from Former President Ali Abdullah Saleh
In a recent televised appearance on Yemen Today TV, Nasser Al-Qadari, head of the Yemeni-Dutch Center for Defense of Rights and Freedoms, discussed critical issues concerning the growing influence of the Houthi militia and the international community’s silence regarding the violations occurring in Yemen.
During his remarks, Al-Qadari referred to the warnings issued by former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, emphasizing their clarity and accuracy concerning the Houthi group. He explained that Saleh repeatedly warned of the Houthis’ lack of trustworthiness or honor, and these warnings have been confirmed as the Houthi-Iranian project has grown stronger and more entrenched.
Al-Qadari pointed out that the past three years have revealed the Houthis’ systematic efforts to destabilize the state, loot the country’s assets, and eliminate their political opponents across parties and key figures. He also noted that their practices have escalated to the extent of internal purges within the group itself.
Why Is the International Community Silent?
When asked about the international community’s silence, Al-Qadari noted that the global response was initially positive, as international observers were deployed to monitor troubled areas, which helped mitigate some violations.
However, he explained that the Houthi militia systematically undermined this role by accusing the United Nations and the international community of espionage and treason. As a result, the effectiveness of international oversight has diminished.
Currently, crimes are primarily documented through independent media and social media platforms. While these efforts are significant, Al-Qadari stressed that they are insufficient to address the scope of the violations.
Calling for a Greater International Role
Al-Qadari emphasized the need for the international community to take more robust and decisive action in monitoring the situation in Yemen. He urged for an expanded and more effective role in oversight to curb the Houthis’ ongoing crimes and violations.
He further highlighted that such oversight should go beyond mere documentation, moving toward holding those responsible accountable at both regional and international levels. This, he argued, is essential to stopping the violations and restoring balance and justice in Yemen.
Conclusion
Al-Qadari concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of joint local and international efforts to expose Houthi crimes and work diligently to halt the ongoing human rights violations, ultimately restoring the rights of the Yemeni people.
