Yemeni Tribal Honor Pact sparks controversy in Geneva

The Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) recently hosted the “Yemeni Tribal Honor Pact” at the United Nations Office in Geneva. The initiative, supported by the Swiss and Dutch foreign ministries, involved approximately 100 tribal leaders and social figures. The pact aims to leverage traditional tribal customs to protect civilians, safeguard detainees, and preserve civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship during conflicts.

The event has drawn significant criticism from Yemeni political figures and activists. Critics, including an advisor to a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, argued that hosting expensive conferences abroad is disconnected from the country’s humanitarian crisis. They suggested that funds used for such international events should instead be directed toward supporting millions of displaced persons and providing aid in regions like Taiz, Aden, and the West Coast.

Further debate surrounds the legitimacy of the participants. Some observers have questioned whether the selected tribal leaders truly represent the diverse Yemeni population or if the initiative serves to re-legitimize traditional power structures and influential figures at the expense of formal state institutions and accountability.