Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

encourage positive change. We worked bilaterally with Yemeni departments and
ministries and in collaboration with the EU, US and local and international NGOs.
Coordinated action with the EU, in particular, remains important. In 2010 we
participated in EU démarches regarding freedom of expression, changes to NGO
laws and the proposed execution of a juvenile.
During the 2010/11 financial year, we have funded projects to address the underlying
causes of tension and to improve Yemen’s ability to manage conflict, thereby
reducing the risk of human rights violations. Members of the Yemeni security forces
attended courses at a variety of UK military training establishments, which included
training on the law of armed conflict and the importance of human rights in security
activity. Project work also included efforts to address tension and potential conflict
between Yemeni communities and Somali refugees, and a pilot study to assess
options for the provision of desalinated water. We hope that the latter study, whilst
focused on one area of Yemen, may result in a model for other parts of the country.
We have a cross-government approach to encouraging stability, and with it respect
for human rights in Yemen. This approach is supported by the programme work of
the Department for International Development (DFID), including its Development
Partnership Agreement, its Justice and Policing Programme, various education
projects and its humanitarian assistance to those affected by armed conflict in
northern Yemen.
Despite the challenging security environment we will continue to lobby the
government of Yemen on human rights issues, using the EU Human Rights Strategy
as a framework for coordinated action. In 2011 human rights abuses could act as a
driver of instability, especially in already volatile regions, such as Sa’dah governorate
and the south. We will continue to communicate to the government the benefits of
respecting human rights in order to reduce grievances and build stability. The next
Friends of Yemen ministerial conference will be held in March 2011. This will offer
an opportunity to review reform progress thus far and to encourage the government
to take greater responsibility for improving political inclusivity and stability in Yemen.
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