The American government has been aware of the alleged mistreatment of African migrants at the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border but has chosen to keep the issue under wraps, according to a report by the New York Times. The mistreatment, which is said to involve widespread abuse and indiscriminate killings, has been happening to migrants, primarily from Ethiopia, who are traveling through war-torn Yemen.
US diplomats were reportedly informed of the situation as early as December of the previous year. However, out of concern for their relationship with Riyadh, the US government decided to remain silent about the issue. This decision has raised questions about their commitment to addressing human rights abuses, especially since they have been regularly engaging with senior Saudi officials to express their concerns.
The US State Department provided a statement to the New York Times, acknowledging their awareness of the situation and their efforts to raise concerns with Saudi contacts. It is unclear, though, whether these communications have had any impact on the migrant situation at the border. The mistreatment of migrants at the border has been a recurring issue, with recent reports highlighting the killings of hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia.
Human Rights Watch released a report on August 21, which documented the killings and abuse carried out by Saudi border guards. Surviving witnesses have claimed that these guards have used explosive weapons and shot people at close range, including women and children. The report also states that migrants have been tortured and asked about their preferred limb to be shot. In some instances, Saudi border guards have even fired artillery pieces at migrants trying to retreat back into Yemen.
The behavior of the border guards, if sanctioned by higher authorities, could amount to crimes against humanity. However, it is unclear whether these actions were carried out individually or as part of an official policy. The allegations of inaction by the US government in the face of such abuses raise concerns about their commitment to human rights and their relationship with Saudi Arabia.
The mistreatment of migrants at the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border is a humanitarian crisis that demands international attention. The silence of the US government, as well as the alleged complicity of Saudi border guards, perpetuates a culture of impunity and disregard for human rights. It is crucial for all nations, including the United States, to take a stand against these abuses and hold those responsible accountable.
In conclusion, the US government’s knowledge of the mistreatment of African migrants at the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border and its decision to keep the issue private raise questions about their commitment to human rights. The alleged abuse and indiscriminate killings of migrants must be addressed by the international community to put an end to this humanitarian crisis.
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