With deep regret and concern, Human Access for Partnership and Development has learned of the lies and fabrications contained in an alleged indictment issued by the Specialized Criminal Prosecution Office in the Capital Sana'a, and the subsequent referral to a mass trial of more than 100 of its members - or former members - with invalid procedures and fabricated political charges that have no basis in truth.
Human Access Association, while denying in full and in detail all the falsehood and misleading information contained in the alleged aforementioned decision, strongly condemns these arbitrary and unjust procedures. It also regrets the use of the judiciary as a tool to intimidate and criminalize humanitarian workers and to involve humanitarian work in political conflicts and intrigues, which affects the general humanitarian atmosphere and its societal repercussions.
This is an extension of a series of reprehensible abuses and gross violations that the association has been subjected to by the ruling authority in Sana'a for years, which included seizing the association's offices and confiscating its funds, assets, and properties in Sana'a and the rest of the governorates under its authority. Now, it is pursuing some of the association's members or those who had a specific temporary relationship with the association.
All this comes in a context related to the abuses and violations that have extended to humanitarian workers in general in all humanitarian institutions operating in areas controlled by the ruling authority in Sana'a. Pushing the judiciary into this circle affects its independence and integrity and harms the Yemeni judicial system as a whole.
The Association stresses that since its establishment in March 1990, it has been carrying out its charitable and humanitarian work in accordance with the laws in force and within the framework of humanitarian standards and in partnership with the bodies and organizations working in this field, adopting neutrality in its work and staying away from political clashes. It is currently limiting its work and activities to the available governorates in the Republic, strengthening social peace in the country.
The Association affirms that these practices and violations will not deter it from continuing its humanitarian relief and development work and extending a helping hand and providing assistance to those in need, especially in light of these difficult living conditions that the country is going through, which require the mobilization of all energies to reduce destitution and extreme poverty in society.
What is surprising and condemnable is the inclusion of the names of some merchants, academics, administrators, and state officials - who are known for their initiative in charitable work - in a list of malicious and baseless political accusations, which take on an unjustified vengeful nature.
All that the Association can do is appeal to the judicial bodies to adhere to the principles of truth, justice, and fairness, and to refrain from plots, revenge, and anything that would disrupt the peace of society.
Issued by the Administrative Board
Human Access for Partnership and Development
Head Office - Seiyun
July 22, 2024