Yemenis in London Demand End to Taiz Siege, Houthi Terrorist Designation

A protest was held in London by members of the Yemeni diaspora, their supporters, and human rights advocates, demanding an end to the Houthi militia's siege on Taiz and the establishment of safe and permanent routes for civilians.

Participants issued a statement calling on the British government and Parliament to take concrete actions to pressure the Houthi militia to lift the siege. They also urged consideration of designating the group as a terrorist organization under British law and supporting independent investigations into alleged grave violations and crimes.

The statement emphasized that the siege of Taiz has moved beyond road closures to directly impacting residents' lives and fundamental rights. It highlighted ongoing shelling, movement restrictions, and difficulties in accessing essential services like hospitals, schools, and markets, leading to increased costs for food, medicine, and transportation.

Protesters also called for increased humanitarian and development aid, with specific support for health, education, water, and food security sectors. They requested contributions to infrastructure rehabilitation, improvement of basic services, and economic recovery efforts.

The statement further demanded the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, an end to child recruitment and involvement in armed conflict, and protection for women and their right to education. It noted that international human rights organizations have documented alleged Houthi violations, including the planting of landmines in civilian areas, which have resulted in casualties and significant harm to residents.

The participants urged the United Kingdom to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government and its political, diplomatic, and economic endeavors to restore state institutions, assert authority, and uphold the rule of law. They also called for the preservation of Yemen's unity, sovereignty, and independence.

The statement indicated that Houthi violations have extended to other governorates, including Marib, Aden, Shabwa, and Hodeidah, encompassing arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and abuses against women and child recruitment. The participants affirmed their commitment to the Yemeni people's right to security, freedom, and justice, while acknowledging Saudi Arabia's support for the Yemeni government and its humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.