CONFIDENTIAL
YEMEN ARAB REPUBLIC
Report by HM Embassy, Sana'a
General Observations
There has been a great improvement on all fronts since the overthrow of the Imamate in 1962. Our assessment is that the President and Government genuinely intend to continue this improvement as far as this is compatible with the rate of development in the country and the political situation.
Right No.
(i)
Rating Suggested
by Post
Imprisonment without trial is extensive, but no figures are available. Arrests are arbitrary and imprisonment without trial indefinite.
7
(ii)
There is no hard evidence of the existence of torture, but a strong suspicion that it is employed.
4
(iii) There is no slavery.
О
(iv)
The solitary newspaper, radio and TV are all Government controlled; but are generally moderate in tone. Open criticism of the President or the Government would be firmly supressed.
5
(v)
(vi)
The judiciary enjoys reasonable independence in relation to those cases brought to trial, but the Government and Security Service cir- cumvent the judiciary by arbitrary arrest and imprisonment without trial.
There is legislation allowing Trade Unions. In practice virtually none exist.
(vii) Yemenis are traditional emigrators (about
1 million abroad out of a total population of 61 million). Recently there has been a general tightening up on emigration to stem the "brain- drain" which is slowing the pace of develop- ment.
Comment by Middle East Department:
With 15% of the population abroad, a rating of 4 seems high. We would suggest a rating of 2.
10
6
7
CONFIDENTIAL