Politics1 min read

Yemeni tribal leaders present set of principles to ease war's humanitarian impact

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Tribal representatives convened on Thursday at the United Nations in Geneva to formally present the humanitarian code of conduct. The framework integrates international humanitarian law with traditional tribal customs and Islamic values to mitigate the ongoing crisis. Roughly 5,000 leaders nationwide have endorsed the initiative, with around 100 representatives traveling to the Palais des Nations for the unveiling. Sheikh Abdulkarim Al-Magdashi highlighted that the agreement may ultimately enable tribes to play an influential role in future political resolutions.

Key points

  • The framework combines Islamic values, traditional customs, and international humanitaria…: The framework combines Islamic values, traditional customs, and international humanitarian law to safeguard civilians and expand aid access.
  • Broad cross-factional support demonstrates rare consensus among disparate tribal networks…: Broad cross-factional support demonstrates rare consensus among disparate tribal networks spanning divided regions of the country.
  • Organizers believe establishing tribal humanitarian protections could pave the way for fo…: Organizers believe establishing tribal humanitarian protections could pave the way for formal tribal participation in Yemen's political peace process.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Yemeni tribal leaders gathered at the United Nations on Thursday to launch an agreed set of principles aimed at protecting civilians and improving aid access in the war-ravaged country.

They hope the measures will prove a useful step in easing the vast humanitarian crisis gripping the country.

The Yemeni Tribal Code of Honour for the Protection of Civilians draws upon tribal customs, Islamic values and the principles of international humanitarian law.

It was drafted over the past two years by tribal leaders and agreed by "tribes of Yemen from all areas, both government-controlled and Houthi-controlled", Sheikh Abdulkarim Al-Magdashi, who worked on the drafting process, told AFP.

Some 5,000 leaders have signed the code, with around 100 coming to Geneva for the formal launch at the UN's Palais des Nations headquarters.

"If the role of the tribes can be effective in achieving peace and protecting civilians, then hopefully they can also play a role in the political process," said Magdashi.

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