INSAF Center for Defending Freedoms & Minorities has published a new report on religious freedoms in Yemen, which is facing an increasing threat as the country’s ongoing war approaches its eighth year.
The report outlines the state of religious freedoms and the severe deterioration it has witnessed since the start of the war, and attributed this mainly to the control of non-state armed group’s (NSAGs) over large areas of the country, in addition to the absence of any real control by a central and recognized government.
It referred to the almost zero tolerance extremist groups have towards people with different opinions or beliefs, as they have been subjected to persecution and displacement, leading to the killing of those who oppose their views or ideology.
The report also sheds light on the practices of the Houthi group, and its acts of persecution, arrest, and deportation, against religious minorities or other Islamic sects, all while attempting to impose their teachings and ideas using force.
It enumerated reported cases of practices in Sana’a, in addition to the violence that affected factions in Aden, and touched upon the presence of Christian families requesting protection and assistance due to the mortal risks they face.
The report concluded with several recommendations and demands aimed at protecting freedoms for all Yemenis, including minorities, ending all practices of detention and arbitrary disappearances, and called for international pressure to be exerted on all parties to guarantee these freedoms.
