[24 July 2008]
SANA'A, July 24 (Saba)- The Yemeni Observatory for Human Rights (YOHR) is going to organize next Saturday a workshop on the results of its recent survey on the political role of tribe in Yemen.

The workshop to be held in Aden will be attended by 20 researches and representatives of local authorities in Abyan, Taiz, and Aden.

In cooperation with of International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Canada, the YOHR started one year ago implementing the survey project in the framework of a program had been carried out also in Iraq and Jordan.

The survey showed that tribal relations are deeply intertwined with state and political relations, with tribal sheikhs and other notable figures wielding considerable influence over political decisions.

As a result, ruling regimes in Jordan, Yemen and Iraq are keen to win and maintain the tribes’ support, including by enabling the political representation of larger and influential tribes.

"The role of the tribe in Yemen constitutes a formidable challenge to the state, and at times even appears stronger than the state. This has been exemplified by the abduction of foreigners by Yemeni tribesmen", said the YOHR.

"When Yemen began to adopt political pluralism and organize presidential and parliamentary elections, the political parties that emerged reflected the significant influence of tribes in these countries".

The project tackles questions including: what are the experiences of the different tribes in influencing policy? Which of their strategies have worked, and why? Have tribes impeded or supported the development of good governance and active citizenries? What is the relationship between tribes and Islamism? What is the impact of tribes on the participation of women in policy process?

TD/YA

Saba