Yeni Yemen – Istanbul

Members of the Yemeni community in Türkiye staged a demonstration outside a United Nations office in Istanbul, calling for an end to the siege of Taiz, the reopening of roads to civilians, and accountability for alleged violations committed by Houthi militias.

The demonstrators urged the international community to take immediate action to address the worsening humanitarian situation in the Yemeni city.

Participants highlighted the impact of restrictions on civilian movement, warning that the continued closure of roads has increased the suffering of patients, wounded civilians, women, children, and elderly residents.

Years of Siege and Civilian Suffering

In a statement issued during the demonstration, organizers said Taiz has endured years of shelling of residential neighborhoods, civilian casualties, destruction of homes, and restrictions on movement.

According to the statement, road closures have made it increasingly difficult for residents to access hospitals and essential services, while disrupting the delivery of food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.

The demonstrators highlighted the deaths of teacher Mushira al-Naqib and her father, who, according to the organizers, were killed when a shell attributed to Houthi militias struck their home in al-Nedani village in the Sabr district of Taiz.

The incident was cited as an example of the dangers facing civilians in the governorate.

Calls for International Investigation and Accountability

The Yemeni community called on the United Nations and the wider international community to take urgent measures to end the siege of Taiz, reopen roads, and guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

The statement also demanded independent and transparent investigations into violations against civilians, accountability for those responsible, and justice for victims and their families.

Participants urged the international community to consider designating Houthi militias as a terrorist organization through applicable legal procedures.

The statement further raised concerns about alleged violations beyond Taiz, including threats to international shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the recruitment of children, and the use of civilians as human shields.

Appeal to the Turkish Government and Parliament

The demonstrators addressed a direct appeal to the Turkish government, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, and Turkish humanitarian and human rights organizations.

They called on Türkiye to support the humanitarian demands of Taiz residents and intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the siege and protecting civilians.

The organizers emphasized that Türkiye could play an important role in supporting international efforts to alleviate Yemen's humanitarian crisis and promote a just and lasting peace.

Lasting Peace Requires Civilian Protection and Restoration of State Institutions

The Yemeni community stressed that sustainable peace must begin with the protection of civilians, the lifting of the siege, and justice for victims.

The statement also called for support for the restoration of Yemen's internationally recognized state institutions and an end to the armed takeover initiated by Houthi militias in September 2014.

The organizers emphasized that Yemen's conflict is fundamentally a struggle involving the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi militias, which seized the capital, Sanaa, and key state institutions in 2014.

They reaffirmed the Yemeni people's right to restore state institutions and live in peace, security, and dignity.

The demonstration concluded with participants pledging to continue bringing the voices of Taiz residents to the international community.

They chanted:

“Freedom for Taiz, dignity for Yemen, and justice for all victims.”