HRC52- GICJ call on the international community to strongly condemn the involvement of Iran in Yemen

The 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council

27 February - 4 April 2023

Item 3: General debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

17 March 2023

Joint Statement with Association Ma’onah for Human rights and Immigration and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Delivered by Sasha Granelli

Thank you Mr. Vice-President,

The financement of conflicts leads to human rights violations and is a major obstacle to the development of countries already weakened by war.

In Yemen, for example, the humanitarian situation remains a key issue as 21.6 million people require some form of humanitarian assistance in 2023. This assistance faces multiple challenges due to the access constraints and a dangerous security environment in Yemen maintained by the continuing involvement of Iran in this conflict.

Iran's continued provision of lethal aid to the Houthi militia is a case in point, demonstrating its desire to remain influential and military support the Houthi Militia. This has been demonstrated by the interception of weapons sent by Iran to Yemen by US, British and French Naval Forces in the beginning of this year.

These actions are common for Iran which had already used its influence in Iraq by financing and training militia groups. Since 2005, Tehran has possessed a huge amount of influence over Iraq’s political elite and military forces which have negatively impacted the evolution of Iraqi society.

Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on the international community to strongly condemn these implications and the financing of these conflicts by a State that is present in this Council. Those who pay the price of these conflicts are civilians, who face some of the most challenging humanitarian crises. Therefore, we reiterate the moral obligations of all those involved and we call for accountability of those who finance and influence such devastating wars.

Thank you.