Dameer Foundation for Human Rights in Shabwah Governorate reported that it was prevented from holding a training workshop aimed at discussing support for girls’ access to university education. This was followed by a number of security-related requirements, as well as intervention by the Office of Social Affairs and Labor, which called for changes to the Foundation’s management, despite the Foundation having fulfilled all required official procedures and obtained the applicable legal licenses.
The American Center for Justice (ACJ) considers these measures to constitute an overreach of the proper administrative framework established under Law No. (1) of 2001 on Associations and Civil Society Organizations. The law regulates the work of civil society organizations and provides them with a clear scope to operate independently, without interference in their internal affairs or the imposition of restrictions beyond those expressly provided for by law.
This incident reflects a growing trend among some local authorities in Yemen toward restricting the activities of civil society organizations and imposing unlawful conditions on their development and human rights work. The continuation of such practices disrupts the work of local organizations and undermines their ability to implement community-based and service-oriented projects that benefit local communities. It also has a negative impact on coordination and cooperation with partners and donor organizations.
Lawyer Abdulrahman Barman, Executive Director of the American Center for Justice (ACJ), said: “Interference in the internal affairs of a civil society organization, or linking its activities to personal positions, runs counter to the spirit of the law and the safeguards afforded to civil society work. It is important for the authorities in Shabwah Governorate to view civil society organizations as local partners that contribute to serving the community. We hope that the decision issued against Dameer Foundation for Human Rights will be reviewed and that the Foundation will be allowed to implement its approved programs and activities without obstruction.”
The American Center for Justice calls on the leadership of the local authority and the Office of Social Affairs in Shabwah Governorate to review these measures and enable Dameer Foundation for Human Rights to carry out its activities in accordance with the law. It further calls on the relevant authorities to ensure a stable working environment that safeguards the independence of civil society organizations and enables them to continue implementing their community initiatives.
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