IHL & HRL VIOLATIONS - DECEMBER 2018

ANSAR ALLAH/HOUTHI MOVEMENT

Al-Hudaydah Governorate

Houthi forces continue to place land and sea mines in densely populated areas and in civilian facilities around al-Hudaydah Governorate. This is a violation of rule 22, which requires combatants to take precautions against harming civilians. Rule 81 requires parties to be discriminatory with their placement of landmines, so as not to harm civilians.

Country-wide

In December, the World Food Programme (WFP) discovered that food aid was not reaching civilians in Houthi-controlled territories. Instead, the WFP said the food is being stolen and sold by Houthi elements. This is a violation of rule 55, which forbids interference with access to humanitarian relief.

SAUDI-LED COALITION

Ta’iz Governorate

In December, the Associated Press released an investigative report that accused the Saudi-led coalition of stealing food aid meant for civilians in the Ta’iz Governorate. Thousands of families are not receiving the food aid meant for them. Interfering with access to humanitarian relief is a violation of rule 55 of IHL.