Geneva Institute for Human Rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on January 6 urged Yemeni authorities to respect international laws prohibiting amnesties in cases of gross human rights violations. Yemeni politicians are currently debating an amnesty law soon to be presented to Parliament.

“International law and the UN policy are clear on the matter: amnesties are not permissible if they prevent the prosecution of individuals who may be criminally responsible for international crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and gross violations of human rights,” said Pillay. “Such an amnesty would be in violation of Yemen’s international human rights obligations.”

Pillay stressed that a victim-centred approach to justice is essential to restore stability to a society emerging from a period of violent conflict. “Victims have the right to justice, to the truth, to remedy and reparation – these are rights that are well-established internationally,” she said. Every individual who commits a crime, whether pro-government or opposition, is accountable and should not be allowed to escape justice.

The UN Human Rights Office recently completed during a mission to the country and are currently preparing a new report by the High Commissioner to the Human Rights Council regarding Yemen.