Yemen on the Brink of Danger: A U.S. Decision That Could Shift the Balance!

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

Legal experts and international observers have warned that the U.S. State Department’s decision to designate the Houthi group (Ansar Allah) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and its implementation represents a blatant violation of international law and could trigger a further deterioration of the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. They pointed out that this step could serve as a pretext for a new military escalation in the region.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law

Experts in international law argue that the U.S. decision contradicts the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, particularly the common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which prohibits collective punishment against civilians in armed conflicts.

According to United Nations reports, Yemen is facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with more than 80% of its population relying on humanitarian aid, making any escalation or disruption of aid a direct threat to the lives of millions.

Moreover, imposing economic or political sanctions without guarantees for civilian protection violates the principle of distinction between military objectives and civilians, as outlined in Article 48 of the Additional Protocol I of 1977, which exacerbates human suffering and complicates relief efforts, as confirmed by human rights observers.

Undermining Peace Efforts in Yemen

Observers of the Yemeni issue note that the U.S. decision contradicts the UN’s efforts to achieve peace in Yemen. Designating one party to the conflict as a terrorist organization hinders efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution and creates obstacles to any future negotiations between the Yemeni parties.

International law and human rights experts confirmed that the decision violates the right to life, as outlined in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, emphasizing that any step that prolongs the conflict or increases restrictions on humanitarian aid is a clear violation of international humanitarian standards.

Potential Military Escalation and Violation of the United Nations Charter

According to international political analyses, this designation could open the door to further military interventions and escalation in the region, which contradicts Article 2, Paragraph 4, of the United Nations Charter, prohibiting the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Observers warn that Washington may use this designation as a cover to justify new military operations in Yemen or in the Red Sea, which would further complicate the crisis and escalate tensions in the region, rather than pushing for a comprehensive political settlement.

Calls to Reverse the Designation and Support for a Political Solution

In light of these concerns, the “Human Rights and Freedoms Organization” has called on the international community to take immediate action to revoke the U.S. designation, emphasizing that the decision poses a serious threat to the humanitarian situation in Yemen and could lead to the spread of famine and increase civilian suffering.

The organization also demanded the guarantee of unobstructed humanitarian aid access and support for political solutions through comprehensive negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, with the necessity of involving all Yemeni parties to achieve a just and sustainable peace.

Experts and observers agree that achieving peace in Yemen will not be accomplished through unilateral designations or the imposition of political sanctions, but through the international community’s commitment to justice and fairness, and support for diplomatic efforts that ensure the end of the war and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.