On January 29, 2014 the human rights situation in Yemen was reviewed by members of the Council and any other UN member wanting to comment.
In her opening remarks the head of the Yemeni delegation, Ms. Hooria Mashhoyr Ahmed, declared "What is of most concern to us is rights of vulnerable groups, women, children..." Later on, responding to a question on women rights in Yemen, she said "As regards the Yemeni woman actually there has been great progress".
In fact, according to the State Department 2012 Report, societal discrimination severely limited women's ability to exercise equal rights. Some of the worst women rights violations in Yemen include the following:
- "Spousal rape is not criminalized because a woman may not legally refuse sexual relations with her husband... By law rape victims can be prosecuted on charges of fornication if a perpetrator is not charged... Spousal abuse...was considered a major problem... The penal code allows leniency for persons guilty of committing an honor crime or violent assault against--or killing--a woman, for perceived "immodest" or "defiant" behavior... There were cases of girls married as young as eight years of age."
- China: China appreciates commitment and efforts Yemen has made in promoting and protecting human rights.
Cuba: We welcome the commitment of national authorities to promote and protect human rights.
Egypt: We'd like to register our appreciation over efforts exerted to bring about structural change in human rights...while paying special attention to rights of women and children.
Lebanon: We'd like to praise country for these efforts aimed at strengthening human rights.
Mauritania: Our delegation would like to praise the very effective measures that have been taken by Yemen in the name of promoting and protecting human rights.
Pakistan: We commend the government of Yemen for a number of legislative and administrative measures to strengthen national institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Saudi Arabia: The report shows great progress and a serious desire to improve human rights.
Palestinian Observer: We also praise steps taken by Yemen to ensure freedom of opinion and expression.
Sudan: We pay tribute to steps taken by Yemeni government as regards human rights.
UAE: I cannot but pay tribute to all initiatives taken by Yemen...
- "The most significant human rights problems were arbitrary killings and acts of violence committed by the government and various entities and groups; disappearances and kidnappings; and a weak and corrupt judicial system that did not ensure the rule of law... The government still enforced restrictions on coverage of security and military related events, confiscated newspapers, and harassed journalists... Other human rights problems included: torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; poor prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention; lengthy pretrial detention... Impunity was persistent and pervasive...
Most rape victims did not report the crime due to fear of shaming the family, incurring violent retaliation, or being prosecuted...According to the law, without a confession the [rape] victim must provide four male witnesses to the crime... Violence against women and children was considered a family affair and usually went unreported to police... The testimony of one man equates to that of two women... A foreign woman who wishes to marry a male citizen must prove to the ministry that she is "of good conduct and behavior." A close male relative has the authority to approve or prohibit a female citizen's travel... A husband may divorce a wife without justifying the action in court...
The law does not define or prohibit child abuse...There was no minimum age of marriage...The penal code criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual conduct, with the death penalty as a sanction, under the country's interpretation of Islamic law."