The Cairo Center for Human Rights Studies called on the Southern Transitional Council to take urgent measures to lift the restrictions imposed on civil society organizations seeking to begin their work in Aden.

The demands come at a time when the southern city, declared the capital of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, has become a haven for organizations that fled Houthi repression in the north, while supporting freedom of association and protecting civil space is considered an utmost necessity in these circumstances.

Civil society organizations in Aden face major obstacles under the rule of the Southern Transitional Council, after restrictions were imposed on registration and renewal of permits, which led to the suspension of the activities of some organizations and the closure of others.

Some organizations that attempted to register, especially those whose founders hailed from the North, had their applications verbally rejected, hampering their ability to pursue legal procedures.

Amna Al-Qalali, Director of Research at the Cairo Centre, says, “The arbitrary restrictions imposed by the Southern Transitional Council in Aden undermine the critical role of civil society in Yemen, including organizations active in the humanitarian and development fields and the protection of human rights, all of which are essential areas of great need.” Yemenis to it.”

The restrictions are not limited only to registration, but also include obstacles in renewing annual permits, which are imposed illegally by the authorities. Although organizations complied with these requirements, some organizations were unable to renew their permits, which led to the suspension of their activity, according to the center.

In addition, the authorities force organizations to request prior approvals for any new activities or projects, which hinders their work and puts the security of participants at risk, while development organizations in Aden speak of direct authoritarian interference in their work, such as requiring that titles be changed to obtain approval.

According to international law, restrictions on freedom of association must be necessary and appropriate in a democratic society. However, current restrictions unjustifiably hinder organizations' right to operate freely.

The Cairo Center recommended that the Southern Transitional Council take decisive steps to support freedom of association and protect civil society in Aden.

He stressed the need for the authorities to commit to providing written receipts immediately upon receipt of registration requests from organizations, and to stop refusing to register associations except in cases where their documents include hate speech or incitement to violence.

The Center stressed the importance of suspending the requirement to renew work permits annually, and fully recognizing all organizations registered as legal entities operating in Aden and other areas under the control of the Council.

He also called for the need to cancel any administrative decisions that hinder the work of associations in order to ensure that they exercise their right to work freely and without restrictions.