Sana'a:The National Commission for Human Rights has issued a strong condemnation against the announcement by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, which has declared civilian gatherings and tribal mobilizations in Yemen as legitimate military targets.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Commission expressed grave concern over the statement from the Saudi Ministry of Defense, which warned citizens in areas under the Sana'a government against participating in gatherings, whether termed 'tribal mobilization' or mass rallies, labeling them as legitimate military targets.
The Commission highlighted that this announcement is an explicit admission and a document of condemnation, indicating the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law. The organization stated that the announcement itself constitutes a fully-fledged crime under international criminal law, providing material evidence of planning and intent to commit war crimes.
The Commission further explained that the Saudi statement violates international humanitarian laws, including the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention and Common Article 3, which protect civilians during conflict. It also breaches Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which classify attacks on civilians as war crimes.
The Yemeni *Nakaf*, a traditional tribal gathering, is highlighted as a peaceful civilian event protected by international norms. The Commission emphasized that targeting such gatherings on pretexts like political objectives or the presence of combatants is a grave violation of war laws.
The Commission plans to include the Saudi statement as evidence in a case file for the International Criminal Court and the UN Group of Experts on Yemen. It called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to condemn the threat and held the Saudi Ministry of Defense accountable for any future civilian targeting.
The Commission reassured Yemeni citizens that their rights to gather are protected by law and custom, condemning the Saudi adversary's threat as a sign of desperation.
