Statement on behalf of the Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, Deeply Concerned by Mounting Civilian Casualties [EN/AR]

Sana'a, 12 September 2016 –

Sources including media report that on September 10, on the eve of Eid Al Adha, 30 people were killed and 17 others wounded, including first responders and two children, as a result of several air strikes on a water well in Beit Saadan village of Arhab District, in the north of Sana’a Governorate. These events follow weeks of intensified air strikes and ground fighting across the country, including missile attacks from the direction of Yemen toward Saudi Arabia.

I remain deeply disturbed by the unrelenting attacks on civilians and on civilian infrastructure throughout Yemen by all parties to the conflict, which are further destroying Yemen’s social fabric and increasing humanitarian needs, particularly for medical attention at a time when the health sector is collapsing.

I call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, to recommit to the April 10 Cessation of Hostilities and to support the initiatives of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen. By doing so, they will help avoid further loss of life in Yemen and help position Yemen on a path towards peace.