INSAF Center Chairperson Participates in the Announcement of the Yemeni Tribal Code of Honor for the Protection of Civilians in Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland |
Eman Homaid, Chairperson of INSAF Center for Rights and Development, participated in the official announcement of the Yemeni Tribal Code of Honor for the Protection of Civilians, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, at the invitation of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). The event brought together Yemeni tribal sheikhs and leaders, human rights advocates, media representatives, and members of civil society organizations.
The Code of Honor was announced as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening the role of tribal leaders in protecting civilians, supporting local mediation and de-escalation efforts, upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, and fostering trust and social peace in Yemen.
In a statement published on her account on X (formerly Twitter), the INSAF Center Chairperson welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward strengthening civilian protection. She emphasized the importance of building on the historical role of Yemeni tribes in maintaining social peace, resolving disputes, and promoting the values of peace and coexistence.
Homaid stressed that the role of tribes in protecting civilians should support and complement state institutions, rather than replace them or their constitutional authority. She underscored the importance of preserving the humanitarian and community-based nature of the Code of Honor, free from political exploitation, in a manner that contributes to Yemen’s security and stability and supports constructive relations with neighboring countries and the wider region.
She also highlighted the importance of building trust among tribes, between tribes and individuals, between tribes and the broader community, and between tribes and state institutions. Such trust, she noted, constitutes a fundamental pillar of social peace and civilian protection. She emphasized that the success of initiatives of this kind depends on strengthening mutual trust, reinforcing community responsibility, and respecting rights and freedoms.
Regarding the rights of women and girls, the Chairperson stressed the need to strengthen safeguards against all forms of violations, including defamation, abuse, and attacks on their honor and reputation, whether offline or in digital spaces. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that tribal and community-based initiatives complement human rights and legal efforts to protect women and other groups particularly vulnerable to violations.
In a clarification published on her account concerning women’s participation in the event, Homaid explained that she and several other women human rights defenders, media professionals, and civil society activists attended as guests of honor at the invitation of the organizers, without participating in the drafting or signing of the Code of Honor.
She affirmed that the presence of Yemeni women at such international gatherings reflects their active role in defending human rights and contributing to peacebuilding efforts. She further emphasized that protecting civilians is a shared national and humanitarian responsibility requiring complementary efforts by all segments of society and state institutions.
Homaid stressed that the true value of the Code of Honor lies not merely in its announcement, but in the extent to which its principles are upheld and translated into tangible practices that protect the lives and dignity of Yemeni civilians and strengthen trust among different segments of society.
For its part, INSAF Center for Rights and Development commends the efforts undertaken to advance this initiative, including those of Yemeni tribal leaders and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). The Center expresses its hope that the Code of Honor will serve as a practical step toward strengthening civilian protection, supporting pathways to peace and justice, and promoting respect for human rights in Yemen.
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