Barran Press
A recent human rights report, released on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, has documented a tragic toll on Yemen's farmers and herders, with 2,099 casualties – 1,021 killed and 1,078 injured – resulting from landmines and crossfire in various Yemeni governorates since the war began in late 2014.
The report, titled "Farmers and Herders of Death," published by the organization "Rights Radar," highlights the devastating impact on children, with 227 killed and 315 injured. Women have also suffered greatly, with 103 killed and 96 injured, while 93 elderly individuals were killed and 112 injured.
The report reveals that the Houthis, internationally designated as a terrorist group, have been responsible for the majority of these violations, causing the deaths of 709 civilians, including 144 children, and injuring 802 others. The report also states that the Saudi-led coalition has targeted civilian farms and grazing areas, resulting in the deaths of 222 civilians, including 70 children, and injuring 201.
The report emphasizes the dangers posed by randomly planted landmines, which have transformed once-fertile lands into death traps for farmers and herders. Rights Radar documented 339 civilian deaths and 494 injuries caused by these mines, scattered across farms and grazing areas, resulting in significant human and economic losses.
The report states that 20 Yemeni governorates have been affected by the bombing and landmine planting, leading to the destruction of vital agricultural infrastructure that supports over 54% of the workforce. Grain production has plummeted to 300,000 tons in 2021, compared to 700,000 tons in 2014, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Rights Radar detailed harrowing stories, including the death of a child and the injury of another in Al Jawf while searching for their sheep after a landmine exploded, and the death of an elderly shepherd in Al Bayda while tending his flock. The report calls for an immediate halt to the use of landmines and explosive devices, increased efforts to clear mines from agricultural areas, and urgent support for affected farmers. It also calls for accountability for those responsible for these violations.