Alkarama visited Yemen in February 2013 to monitor how Yemen was implementing its international obligations. It noted several issues as remaining particularly problematic, despite steps taken in the right direction by several ministries in the country.
Of key concern were the establishment of a national human rights institution, which has not progressed; the ongoing violations committed during counter-terrorism operations; the excessive use of force by security agencies against protestors; the lack of independence of the judiciary; arbitrary detention and abysmal detention conditions; and finally, persecution, judicial or other, of journalists.
The story of Ms Raja'a Al-Hakami is a striking example illustrating the malfunctioning and corruption of the judicial system, as well as highlighting the ongoing problem of arbitrary detention in the country. After killing a man in self defense after he broke into her bedroom and tried to rape her, Raja Al-Hakami was arrested end of October 2010 and was first sentenced to two years in prison by the district court of Ibb. Following an appeal by the assaliant's family, who were known to be influent with the local authorities, Ms Al-Hakami was sentenced to the death penalty. Ms Al-Hakami is still detained to date, waiting her final appeal to be examined by the Supreme Court.
What's more, detention conditions are notorious, as the report illustrates. Riots broke out in 2012, beginning as protests against abysmal detention conditions. Desperate at the lack of improvements, inmates have been known to cut their ears or fingers, or have started fires to obtain changes, which are yet to come. While the Ministry for Human Rights has undertaken measures, for example by carrying out visits to places of detention, these fall short of the profound change that is required, which necessitate support from the entire government.