Yemeni Minister: The "Masam" project has saved thousands of Yemenis from death and disabilities caused by landmines
The Minister of Legal Affairs and Human Rights in the Yemeni government, Ahmed Arman, stated that since the launch of the "Masam" Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen in 2018, it has saved thousands of Yemenis from fatal injuries and casualties by removing a significant number of mines from the country’s liberated areas. In a phone call with the "Masam" media office, Arman emphasized that the "Masam" project has been a vital addition to the efforts of the coalition forces supporting legitimacy in Yemen, contributing with exceptional professionalism in demining operations, whether dealing with traditional or more advanced types of mines.
The Minister emphasized that the role of the "Masam" project in Yemen deserves heartfelt thanks and appreciation. His Excellency, President Dr. Rashad Muhammad Al-Alimi, awarded the "Masam" project the Order of Courage, the highest honor in the Republic, in recognition of its invaluable contribution to Yemen. This award acknowledges the project’s remarkable success in removing thousands of mines from areas such as Marib, the west coast, Hodeidah, Lahj, Aden, and other regions, as it continues to work across much of the Yemeni landscape.
The Minister also noted that the "Masam" project is widely recognized by all Yemeni officials, not only within the Ministry of Human Rights but also at the level of the Prime Minister. “On behalf of the Yemeni government, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the "Masam" project management and the workers of the Yemeni National Mine Action Program”, Arman said. This is especially significant given the challenges they face, particularly the reduction of funding by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has been partly mitigated by the strong support of the "Masam" project.
The Minister of Human Rights stated that, since the beginning of the war in 2015, Houthi-laid mines have caused over 880 deaths and left thousands injured or disabled. For example, in Al-Bayda, more than 160 people have been killed, while in Aden, 88 have lost their lives due to mines.
The Minister explained that the impact of these mines continues to take lives even after maps have been provided. The current situation is even worse, as demining efforts are carried out without maps indicating where the mines are located. He recalled that during the 1970s and 1980s conflict in Yemen, the effects of mines persisted until 2007, but the scale of the mines planted by the Houthis today is unprecedented.
The Minister also pointed out that the Houthi militias have not provided any maps showing the locations of the mines they’ve indiscriminately planted, which were designed to mark military lines for the areas they controlled. These mines prevent civilians from safely using roads and areas that should be accessible. As a result, the victims are not just military personnel but also farmers, elderly people, women, and children. Tragically, the Houthis have even repurposed anti-tank mines as anti-personnel devices, further increasing the danger to civilians.
Arman emphasized that the United Nations has adopted a lenient stance toward Houthi crimes, and the policy of turning a blind eye is now having serious consequences. This approach is affecting United Nations staff and workers involved in humanitarian programs with international organizations. To date, the Houthis have kidnapped 72 individuals, including 8 women and 22 employees working with the United Nations. This situation is a direct result of the UN's silence and weak policy toward Houthi violations, particularly in relation to mine-related crimes. While the UN has tried to level accusations against various parties, the Houthis remain the sole perpetrators of these crimes.
The Minister of Human Rights also pointed out that the international community, especially the United Nations and its resident coordinator in Yemen, continues to evade responsibility. As a result, they now bear the consequences of their lenient, ineffective, and unclear policies toward the Houthis.
Arman stressed that the international community is falling behind on addressing the mine issue in Yemen. This is evident in the recent reduction of funding for the Yemeni National Mine Action Program by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), despite the program's reliance on UNDP support since Yemen’s ratification of the Ottawa Convention. While the funding was never substantial to begin with, it was divided between areas under Houthi control and the liberated regions. Yet we should note that the Houthi areas are clear of mines since they tend to mine the areas they control just before leaving them. The intervention of the "Masam" project has been critical in compensating for the shortcomings of the Yemeni National Program, stepping in to fill the gap left by reduced international support