I address you as the President of the Maonah Association, and I summarize my briefing by presenting a matrix of proposals from non-governmental organizations with consultative status on several global issues of concern to us, as follows:

 

1. The State of International Peace and Security

 

The world is currently experiencing a series of dangerous wars and armed conflicts that threaten a global catastrophe in the form of World War III. We propose that the Swiss government be tasked with leading an urgent global peace plan to halt the devastating wars and conflicts in the Middle East. This proposal comes in light of the urgent need for immediate, comprehensive, and neutral international action to stop the escalating wars spreading across the Middle East, which are negatively impacting global stability and pose a serious threat to international peace and security. These wars also endanger the lives of hundreds of millions of civilians and could lead us into a global war if not promptly addressed through the cooperation and awareness of governments and civil society organizations.

 

2. Yemen

 

Yemen is currently enduring one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with widespread human rights violations occurring daily, while the international community leaves Yemenis in dire straits.

 

Since the Houthis took power by force of arms, enforced disappearances have been systematically used as a weapon of repression. Civilians, journalists, and human rights defenders have been kidnapped and detained in detention centers without due legal process.

 

The Houthis also arbitrarily detain dozens of UN staff members and local civil society organizations. It is well known that the Houthi group subjects detainees to inhumane conditions and torture. How many Yemenis are living in the same situation, unknown to the world, amidst the many violations of international law committed by these militias?

 

The use of enforced disappearances, along with arbitrary detention, exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. These practices create severe economic hardships for families, increasing their need for attention in light of these serious violations.

 

We highlight the Houthis’ actions, using enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention as tools of repression since their takeover of power. They have also arbitrarily detained UN staff and international civil society organization members for more than a hundred days.

 

Regarding enforced disappearances in Iraq, the international community remains largely unaware, with thousands of victims disappearing without a trace, leaving their families in silence and without justice. Among the violations of international law committed by militias, enforced disappearances in Iraq worsen the humanitarian crisis. This ongoing practice imposes severe economic difficulties on families, adding to their suffering and the urgent need for international attention and accountability.

 

Additionally, we will shed light today on the acute climate crisis that is affecting Yemen, a country already highly vulnerable. Yemen is severely exposed to climate change impacts such as drought, severe floods, pests, sudden disease outbreaks, changes in rainfall patterns, increased storm frequency, and rising sea levels, which further threaten the country’s already fragile state. The climate crisis significantly impacts the population’s economic, social, and cultural rights. Furthermore, the irresponsible policies of the Houthi militia and attacks on ships have caused oil spills, worsening environmental degradation and exacerbating the crisis.

 

We highlight the severe restrictions imposed by the Houthi militia on humanitarian aid, which prevent vital supplies from reaching those in need, worsen famine, and exacerbate the harsh conditions for millions of Yemenis, including children. The use of aid as a weapon, along with targeting civilian infrastructure, violates international humanitarian law and the right to development. Additionally, we note that women and girls are among the most vulnerable, as they are subjected to gender-based violence and discrimination.

 

3. Iran

 

We propose referring the file of human rights and freedom violations against the Iranian people to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for investigation and prosecution of those involved, including leaders of the terrorist regime that governs the country through force and terror, systematically committing atrocities against its people and violating the sovereignty of several other nations worldwide. We call for the prosecution of the regime’s leaders through international justice.