NCIAVHR Requires Military Responses Regarding Ongoing Investigations

Lahj | January 19, 2025

Today, the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights (NCIAVHR) met with Major General Abu Bakr Al-Juboli, Commander of the Tur Al-Baha Military Axis, as part of its efforts to improve the human rights situation in Lahj Governorate.

At the beginning of the meeting, Commission member Judge Ishraq Al-Maqtari emphasized the importance of military authorities responding to the Commission’s inquiries and memorandums related to ongoing investigations. She also highlighted the necessity for these authorities to facilitate the Commission’s access to remote areas where war victims and affected populations are located.

Judge Al-Maqtari stressed the critical role of military bodies in preventing human rights violations within the areas they control. She underscored the need to ensure accountability for individuals involved in such abuses.

In response, Major General Al-Juboli spoke about the dire humanitarian conditions faced by civilians in the villages of Al-Qubaita, Al-Maqatira, and Tur Al-Baha in Lahj Governorate, as well as in the villages of Al-Ahkum, Al-Awbous, and Al-Athawer in the Hayfan District of southern Taiz Governorate. He highlighted the urgent need to accelerate aid delivery to these affected areas.

General Al-Juboli affirmed that personnel from the Tur Al-Baha Axis adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law during military operations. He expressed the Axis’s readiness to address the Commission’s inquiries and to hold accountable any personnel found guilty of human rights violations.

Additionally, both Lieutenant Colonel Emad Al-Dawsi, Operations Commander of the Fourth Mountain Infantry Brigade, and Captain Ziad Adnan, Chief of Staff of the Sixth Brigade, praised the positive collaboration between the Tur Al-Baha Axis and the citizens in the districts under their jurisdiction. They emphasized the Axis’s commitment to preventing violence and safeguarding human rights, security, and the well-being of residents and travelers.

During the visit to the headquarters of the Fourth Mountain Infantry Brigade in Al-Maqatira District, several issues under investigation by the Commission were discussed. These included cases related to restrictions on freedom and reports of harassment in Al-Maqatira. The Commission also listened to the responses from the Axis and reviewed its legal responsibilities in preventing actions that violate national laws and international conventions.