A/HRC/57/9 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its forty-sixth session from 29 April to 10 May 2024. The review of Yemen was held at the 6th meeting, on 1 May 2024. The delegation of Yemen was headed by the Minister of Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Ahmed Omar Mohammed Arman. At its 16th meeting, held on 8 May 2024, the Working Group adopted the report on Yemen. 2. On 10 January 2024, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Yemen: Luxembourg, Maldives and South Africa. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Yemen: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a);1 (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b); 2 (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c). 3 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Yemen through the troika. These questions are available on the website of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The delegation of Yemen recalled that the Human Rights Council played a crucial role in safeguarding human rights globally, notably through mechanisms such as the universal periodic review. Emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing human rights in international politics, the Government of Yemen highlighted its commitment to promoting human rights despite challenging circumstances. The Government’s efforts involved extensive consultation with governmental bodies, human rights committees, civil society and experts, culminating in the submission of national reports to and discussion with international bodies. 6. Despite facing obstacles due to the ongoing crisis in Yemen, the Government had accepted and acknowledged numerous recommendations from the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, demonstrating its dedication to improving the human rights situation. However, the country continued to grapple with the catastrophic consequences of the Houthi militia’s seizure of power, which had been characterized by war crimes, violations of international humanitarian law and widespread abuses, including attacks on civilians, journalists and educational and health-care facilities. 7. The Government of Yemen actively engaged in peace initiatives but the Houthi militia’s refusal to participate had hindered progress. Efforts to implement the Riyadh Agreement, which was aimed at establishing a joint Government and broadening political participation, faced challenges, with the Houthis rejecting invitations to participate. Despite those setbacks, the Government had undertaken measures to restructure key institutions, 1 2 3 2 A/HRC/WG.6/46/YEM/1. A/HRC/WG.6/46/YEM/2. A/HRC/WG.6/46/YEM/3. GE.24-09703