Even War Discriminates

"Since the onset of the Saudi-led military campaign in March 2015, the conflict in Yemen has dramatically escalated, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. Millions are now struggling with internal displacement and the risk of further violence, with no end to hostilities in sight. This situation has been exacerbated by a protracted blockade by the international coalition, severely restricting the import of much needed supplies of food, water and medicine. Though the impacts of ongoing insecurity and the deepening humanitarian crisis have affected all of Yemen's civilian population, the country's religious and ethnic minorities are especially vulnerable due to their long history of exclusion. [This report] highlights the particular challenges facing its most marginalized groups and the ways that established patterns of discrimination have deepened in the context of the current conflict. Besides exploring the experiences of religious minorities such as Yemen's Jewish community against a backdrop of rising extremism, the report also examines how the Muhamasheen -- a group traditionally sidelined from Yemen's social hierarchy -- have struggled to access land, protection or humanitarian assistance due to their continued treatment as second-class citizens. The report provides a series of recommendations for the Yemeni government, the international community and all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the civilian population is prioritized, with particular attention paid to the country's minorities"--Back cover.