OIPMA

Organisation Internationale pour les Pays les Moins Avancés (OIPMA)

International Organisation for the Least Developed Countries (IOLDCs)

OIPMA Addresses 57th Human Rights Council on Yemen Crisis

Geneva, 3 October 2024 – The International Organisation for the Least Developed Countries (OIPMA) today delivered a statement at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, urging immediate action to address the ongoing conflict in Yemen and calling for the enforcement of Jus Cogens—fundamental, non-negotiable principles of international law.

In a speech delivered on the Follow-Up and Implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, OIPMA emphasized the legal and humanitarian implications of ignoring Jus Cogens norms in international law. The organization specifically highlighted document A/HRC/57/NGO/2, which underscores the obligation of all member states to adhere to these norms. Treaties or agreements that conflict with Jus Cogens principles are rendered void, making state compliance mandatory without exceptions.

OIPMA warned that the continued neglect of these principles in Yemen has fueled over three decades of conflict between the North and South, which now threatens to lead to a full-scale catastrophe. The organization expressed concern over the emerging alliance between the Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood, which could seize control of Southern Yemen, further destabilizing the region.

To prevent further deterioration, OIPMA proposed establishing a specific negotiating framework involving the Southern Transitional Council (STC), the United Nations, and the Quartet on Yemen. The objective would be to restore the two former states in compliance with Jus Cogens norms, promoting peace and stability, enhancing regional integration, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“OIPMA believes that through this legal and diplomatic approach, the region can finally achieve lasting peace, combat extremism and terrorism, and prevent further human rights violations,” the organization stated. “We urge the Human Rights Council to take immediate action to foster dialogue and secure a peaceful resolution.”