“Amnesty International” directs serious accusations against STC

LONDON, March 06 (YPA) – “Amnesty International” Organization condemned on Tuesday the repressive practices of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) against civil society organizations and human rights in Aden and the rest of Yemen’s southern provinces.

In a report on its official website, the organization accused the STC of adopting a series of measures that increasingly restrict the work of Yemeni civil society organizations, pointing out that the council had violated all existing associations, civil society organizations laws, and international human rights standards.

The organization called on the STC to remove the ongoing illegal and arbitrary restrictions it imposes on the work of civil society organizations, women, and human rights defenders in Aden.

Grazia Caricchia, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Regional Office at Amnesty International, said, “It is shameful to see the de facto authorities represented by the STC obstructing the vital work of civil society organizations and women human rights defenders instead of ensuring that they are able to continue providing much-needed support to civilians facing the devastating impact of the ongoing armed conflict.”

She added: “The illegal and arbitrary measures taken by the STC create a climate of intimidation and fear and restrict rights to freedom of expression.”

The organization confirmed that it had obtained information stating that organizations not allied with the STC face increased scrutiny and restrictions and expose themselves to deprivation of social affairs, labor funds, and projects.

The organization pointed out that the STC authorities “not only restricted civilian space, but also threatened its existence.”

YPA