House That Curtails Tensions [Archives:2000/34/Culture]
Where there is a will there is a way. Based on this proverb a way has now been opened for settling tribal issues and civilian lawsuits in quite a unique manner in Hodeidah Province. Here, courts are over-crowded with different-nature cases; some protracted and some complicated; yet citizens always want quick solutions and settlement of their cases.
An experienced, heavyweight Sheikh who cares for the value of life has eventually offered his services to stave off bloodshed. He is aware that illiteracy in itself is a killer.
Yemen Timess Mrs. Sabah Al-Qutaili was in Hodeidah. From there she has despatched her interview which she had with Sheikh Abdulwahab Sinan, Head of the Arbitration House.
Q: While in Hodeidah, I heard of an Arbitration House (Dar al-Tahkeem). Would you please tell us about it?
A: Yes, we have such a house here. It holds 150 sheikhs representing the tribes in Hodeidah, 50 scholars and 30 counsels. Because problems and disputes have increased, courts are over-crowded with different-nature cases. I never mean to say that all courts have failed to deal with these cases; but in many instances, courts needed time whereas citizens do not like protracted proceedings. They do not like any delay. In some cases courts find themselves overweary with that heap of pending and current files which await action. This situation has in many instances aggravated the problems and sometimes caused disputes develop into fightings and civil wars,. Therefore, in an attempt to minimize such cases, an Arbitration House has been established.
Q: What solutions does the House offer to these increasing number of cases and, so far how many cases has the House solved?
A: Normally we have one sheikh from each tribe at this House. For example, there, where a civil war ensues, the sheikh of that area rushes to the scene. With the help of his men he imposes an immediate cease-fire followed by a truce. Such cases are solved purely on tribal norms. Such kind of reconciliations carry many a meanings.
Q: How do you finanace running the House? How do tribes and the state deal with the House?
A: To this moment there is no source for funding this House; but in itself it represents a symbol of an authority. I do not know when the State shall come to our assistance. Tribesmen find that this House brings peace to them. However, to some extent, donations are accepted with gratitude.
Q: Is the House a substitute for courts?
A: No. Never. Courts have never proved failure; but the piles of files are so big in number that they can not deal with all these in time. The House is no more than a helping-hand to courts. Minor cases related to Islamic Sharia and those of tribal nature are immediately solved , so the number of cases does not swell.
Q: Do official institutions cooperate with this House? Do they assist in any way?
A: Suffice it to say that the President himself has called for the necessity of cooperation while dealing with blood and feud issues.
Q: Is there any difficulty which your House faces? How do you think such could be solved?
A: Until this moment we do not have any difficulty other than financial support. The Houses expenditures are high.
Q: What are your future expectations?
A: Our aim is just to keep affairs going on smoothly through understanding and reconciliations; particularly where blood and feud are involved. Should such issues come under control, security is then reinforced. Our main aim is to bring intimacy, affinity and harmony because Yemen is like one family.
Q: Is there any consultative body at the House? Have you any relations with foreign and international organizations such as Human Rights Organization?
A: At the House we have wise people, sheikhs and advisors. All are qualified and efficient men. Once the affairs of this very House are organized, we shall have contacts with foreign and international bodies. Until now everything is going well.
Q: What are the nature of crimes in your society?
A: Mostly, we have murders, rape, seduction and breach of human rights.
Q: Any irritating memory of certain case?
A: Yes. Some cases of murder and fatal injuries; but these come within the tribal norms jurisdictions. Some of such cases are still pending but we are determined to sort them out.
Q: Any statistics?
A: Of course we keep a record of all cases. These are written and endorsed in our registers. Most of these have been published in newspapers.
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