Summary
This report outlines Yemen’s current justice system and identifies key impacts of the war on both formal and informal justice processes and institutions in six governorates—Aden, Hadhramout, Ibb, Marib, Sana’a, and Taiz. The ongoing war has resulted in an ever-changing landscape of military and political control over certain areas, fragmenting Yemen’s justice system amongst the authorities in control. Alongside fragmentation of justice institutions, new local actors have emerged to take on informal roles in the delivery of justice where the state is effectively absent, the war solidifying their position of power over local communities. Over six years of war and subsequent instability throughout the country have increased challenges to the rule of law and delivery of impartial justice throughout Yemen, while legal needs of Yemenis, and in particular IDPs, are rising.
Author: Mohammed Alshuwaiter, Legal Consultant, DeepRoot Consulting. Editor: Emma Bakkum, Assistant Counsel, Public International Law & Policy Group.
The report will soon be available in Arabic on ILAC’s website.