Sana'a: By Adel Mahmoud
Dr. Waheeba Faree, Yemen’s Minister of State for Human Rights, defended her country’s record in human rights, describing some Western reports on violations in this field as stereotypical allegations lacking objective or impartial sources. In an interview with Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, she stated that the Ministry of Human Rights is not merely a framework for dealing with international human rights organizations, nor is it merely a political decor tasked with defending the state’s record in this area, as some claim. Instead, it is an active mediator in respecting and championing human rights.
She pointed out the significant changes that have occurred in human rights concepts after the events of September 11 and the subsequent repercussions, which have become a means of pressuring regimes and governments to fulfill certain commitments that infringe on human rights. She clarified that Arabs and Muslims are the most affected by these repercussions.
The Yemeni minister also discussed human rights within her family and her other interests away from political work, as well as her ability to balance her family and work commitments over nearly three decades.
Here is the full interview:
Q: Yemen’s name frequently appears in Western reports concerning human rights violations, despite having a ministry and several civil organizations defending human rights. How do you view this issue?
A: Western reports, particularly American ones, regarding human rights conditions in Yemen, are not new to us and have become a repetitive tradition, citing many of the same allegations found in previous reports, which we have responded to multiple times. These reports seem to be a matter of routine, as they lack objective or impartial sources and often rely on information from opposition newspapers without verifying the accuracy of this information.
Q: But there are claims of increasing human rights violations since your ministry was established.
A: There’s no doubt that having a Ministry of Human Rights has increased attention to these rights from civil society organizations and the media, all working together to deepen awareness and defense of human rights. The prevailing political climates and the constitutional and legal frameworks that allow for free engagement with such issues have made human rights concepts more prominent and prioritized. This can be mistakenly interpreted as an increase in human rights violations.
Q: How have human rights concepts changed after the events of September 11?
A: A lot has changed. The events of September 11 in the United States were a real setback for all concepts and achievements in human rights, as they contradict the most basic human values. The repercussions of these events have negatively impacted human rights principles, with some countries unfortunately exploiting these circumstances to undermine global human rights principles. Arabs and Muslims have been the most affected by these repercussions, both at the levels of populations and regimes. These repercussions have also become a means of pressuring regimes and governments to fulfill certain commitments that infringe on human rights, which is very concerning. An example is how the repercussions of September 11 provided a cover to confuse the concepts of legitimate struggle and resistance with terrorism, overturning balances and undermining all international human rights charters and laws.
Q: But a year after your ministry was announced, it still seems focused on defending the state’s human rights record rather than defending human rights themselves.
A: As Minister of State for Human Rights, I view defending the state’s record in this area as a confirmation of respecting and championing these rights, which is something we must all work for, both governmental and non-governmental institutions. The Ministry of Human Rights is not just a framework for dealing with international organizations in this field, nor is it merely political decor defending the state’s record to the international public, as some claim. The experience has so far proven that the ministry is an effective mediator in preserving and championing human rights.
Q: You are the first female minister in Yemen and the first Arab Human Rights Minister. What does that mean to you?
A: The political transformations our country has experienced, particularly those that accompanied the re-establishment of Yemeni unity in 1990, and the subsequent transition towards democracy and political pluralism, have significantly influenced the formation of an official and serious direction to open opportunities for women to participate more in political, social, and economic life. This direction confirms the seriousness and commitment of decision-makers to involve women. Personally, I consider my appointment to this position an honor for all Yemeni women and encouragement for them to participate and contribute in various fields of life.
Q: Before your appointment, you were the first female president of a Yemeni university (Queen Arwa University for Academic Sciences). How do you balance political and academic work?
A: After my appointment as Minister of State for Human Rights, I found myself working 18 hours a day to balance political and academic work. However, the increase and diversity of my ministerial duties have gradually distanced me from academic work, which is part of my personal and intellectual identity.
Q: How do you balance your ministerial duties with your family commitments?
A: Nothing stands in the way of a person’s will if they are determined to succeed. Commitments require proper planning to use time efficiently, whether for political or family obligations. This has been my experience over 28 years of my married, academic, and political life. I have five children, the eldest of whom is a lecturer at Sana'a University, the second is a graduate of Queen Arwa University, and the rest are still in basic education. As I started with enthusiasm, I will continue with the same pace, and my work as a minister does not conflict with my family commitments as long as the ultimate goal is the larger Yemeni family.
Q: What is the state of human rights within Dr. Wahiba Farah’s family?
A: Freedom, justice, equality, and other rights start at home as a microcosm of society. I strive to be democratic to the fullest extent with my family, relying on dialogue as the pillar of understanding, without neglecting advice and guidance, applying equality in rights and duties. These are educational principles I grew up with from my parents and siblings and extend to my small family today.
Q: Apart from political work, what are your other interests?
A: Despite the limited time due to my numerous engagements, I seize any available opportunity, though rare, to practice my favorite hobbies: reading, staying informed, and keeping up with current events.
Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat