From UN Archive 15 Dec 1967

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UN Update 11 Dec linked to global justice

Analytics - منذ ساعتان

A Call for Justice

South Eye | Analysis - Exclusive

When the United Nations Secretary-General addressed the G20 leaders in South Africa, he brought forth a profound and timely reminder: global challenges are deeply rooted in historical injustices, particularly those endured by the African continent. These words resonate not just with Africa but also with other regions and peoples across the world grappling with similar legacies of exploitation and marginalization. Among them, Southern Yemen stands as a stark example of a people striving to overcome the historical injustices that have shaped their present reality.

This analysis seeks to connect the Secretary-General’s remarks with the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-determination in Southern Yemen. It explores how the Southern cause aligns with the broader themes of justice, sovereignty, and the right to reclaim agency over one’s future.

The UN Secretary-General’s focus on Africa’s exploitation during colonialism sheds light on a pattern that repeats itself across different contexts, including Southern Yemen. Before Yemen’s unification in 1990, the South existed as an independent state, with its own governance, resources, and identity. However, the unity experiment quickly devolved into a power imbalance favoring the North.

The war of 1994 between the two countries solidified this imbalance, as Northern forces occupied the South under the pretext of preserving forced unity. From that point on, Southern Yemen became subject to what can only be described as clear colonialism. Its vast resources, including oil, manufacturing institutions, agriculture associations and fisheries, were exploited to benefit the North, while the South was left to grapple with poverty, underdevelopment, and systemic neglect.

Just as Africa’s colonial history undermined its ability to build a prosperous future, Southern Yemen’s subjugation has perpetuated cycles of economic deprivation and political disenfranchisement. The marginalization of Southern voices in national governance mirrors the erasure of indigenous voices during colonial rule.

The Right to Self-Determination (A Universal Principle)

The Secretary-General’s address implicitly champions the principle of self-determination, a cornerstone of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Southern Yemen’s aspirations for independence align squarely with this principle. The Southern people have repeatedly expressed their desire to reclaim sovereignty through peaceful demonstrations, political movements, and international outreach.

The formation of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) is a testament to this unwavering resolve. The STC has become the political and military representative of Southern aspirations, advocating for a return to pre-1990 independence and a federal system that ensures equality and dignity for its people.

Southern Yemen’s call for independence is not merely a political demand—it is a quest to rectify decades of exploitation and injustice. It mirrors the decolonization movements of the 20th century, which sought to dismantle systems of domination and restore agency to oppressed peoples.

The Secretary-General’s emphasis on addressing historical injustices offers a compelling framework for understanding the Southern cause. If the international community is serious about promoting justice, it cannot ignore Southern Yemen’s plight.

The South’s struggle is intricately tied to broader global themes of justice and human rights. Just as Africa demands reparations and equitable partnerships to redress the exploitation of its resources, Southern Yemen seeks recognition of its right to control its destiny. Both cases underscore the need for global solidarity in dismantling systems of oppression and promoting self-determination.

The humanitarian dimension of Southern Yemen’s struggle cannot be overstated. The region has been devastated by years of conflict, exacerbated by Northern policies that prioritize control over development. Basic infrastructure remains in ruins, healthcare systems are inadequate, and unemployment is rampant. These challenges are compounded by the ongoing war in Yemen, which has further strained the South’s ability to recover and rebuild.

Southern Yemen’s aspirations for independence are also a democratic imperative. The people have consistently expressed their will through peaceful protests and political mobilization. Their demand for self-governance is a reflection of their desire for a system that respects their unique identity, culture, and history.

The international community, particularly the United Nations, has a critical role to play in supporting Southern Yemen’s aspirations. This support could take various forms, including: Encouraging negotiations between the STC and the Yemeni government to reach a peaceful resolution that respects Southern demands. Acknowledging the legitimacy of the Southern cause as an expression of the right to self-determination, Highlighting the exploitation of Southern resources and advocating for reparations to address historical injustices. Moreover, directing humanitarian assistance to rebuild Southern Yemen’s infrastructure and improve living conditions, in addition to empower Southern CBO & Individuals to get the resources and experience needed to merge the state to the global & regional economic, political & Social order.

The Secretary-General’s remarks serve as a reminder that the struggle for justice is universal. Southern Yemen’s journey reflects the broader human quest for dignity, equality, and freedom from oppression. By connecting the Southern cause to the themes of historical justice and global solidarity, we can frame it not as an isolated issue but as part of a larger movement for a fairer and more equitable world.

As the world seeks to address historical injustices, it must recognize the legitimacy of Southern Yemen’s aspirations. Supporting the South is not just a regional obligation—it is a global responsibility. It is a chance to affirm that justice knows no borders and that every people have the right to reclaim their future.