SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties has submitted an official letter to the Governor of Taiz to address the ongoing unlawful occupation of civilian homes—a persistent issue resulting from years of conflict in the city. The problem reflects not only the direct impact of war on civilians but also gaps in governance, fragmented authority, and weakened rule of law.

Over the past decade, many families in Taiz have been forcibly displaced, while others have had their homes occupied by non-owners, creating a complex humanitarian and legal challenge. The situation threatens the dignity of affected families, undermines trust in public institutions, and complicates efforts toward sustainable peace and social cohesion.

The letter submitted by SAM outlines clear, actionable priorities to restore rights and strengthen governance:

• Completing the handover of remaining homes through a transparent and structured process
• Clearly defining institutional roles and responsibilities to end fragmentation
• Reviewing and regulating “security buffer zones” to prevent misuse as justification for property seizures
• Ensuring the safe and dignified return of property owners
• Providing humanitarian alternatives for displaced families
• Integrating the issue into a broader transitional justice framework to ensure redress and prevent recurrence

This work is implemented as part of the SPARK project, supported by the DT Institute, and executed in partnership with SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties and the Association of Mothers of Abductees. The project demonstrates how coordinated civil society action can move beyond immediate relief toward promoting institutional accountability, effective governance, and lasting solutions.