Entisaf Organization Expresses Concern Over Continued Violations Against Women and Children in Southern Governorates

The #Entisaf Organization for Women and Child Rights expressed its deep concern over the continued violations committed against women and children in several governorates in southern Yemen, and the resulting serious humanitarian and legal consequences that infringe upon the rights and fundamental freedoms of civilians.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, June 19, the organization explained that the southern governorates have witnessed numerous violations against civilians in recent years, including the deaths of women and children, displacement, and deprivation of basic services, in addition to widespread humanitarian and social repercussions, as documented in reports by local and international human rights organizations and in statements and reports by relevant humanitarian organizations.

The statement pointed out that the latest of these crimes was the rape and murder of a child in the Al-Mamdarah neighborhood of Sheikh Othman district, a crime committed in cold blood against an innocent child who had no means of defending himself.

The statement described the crime as a dangerous indicator of the unprecedented levels of security breakdown and moral and legal collapse in the southern governorates. It noted that streets and residential neighborhoods have become a terrifying environment, threatening the lives of children, due to the inaction of security and judicial authorities in taking swift and deterrent measures to protect society, and the absence of immediate punishment for perpetrators.

The statement also highlighted statistics and data issued by human rights and humanitarian monitoring bodies, including United Nations reports and organizations working in the field of civilian protection, which indicate the extent of the suffering endured by civilians, particularly women and children, as a result of ongoing violations and the lack of adequate protection.

It emphasized that these practices constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stress the necessity of protecting civilians and guaranteeing the rights of women and children, ensuring they are not subjected to any violations or exploitation.

The organization called for the activation of relevant international resolutions and mechanisms for the protection of civilians, the strengthening of legal accountability measures, and ensuring that perpetrators of violations do not escape punishment.

The organization called on the international community, the United Nations, and relevant bodies to uphold their legal and humanitarian responsibilities and work to stop the violations committed against women and children in southern Yemen, provide the necessary protection for victims, and support relief, care, and protection programs to ensure the preservation of their fundamental rights.

The organization reiterated its commitment to continuing its monitoring, documentation, and verification of violations, collecting information and data related to victims, and working with human rights and humanitarian organizations to achieve justice and equity and enhance the protection of civilians.

Issued by the #Entisaf Organization for Women and Children’s Rights, Sana’a,

June 19, 2026

#EntesafOrg