UN chief tells parties to Yemen conflict to uphold law
'Uphold international humanitarian law' UN chief tells parties to Yemen conflict
United
Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed
deep concern on Wednesday over the “recent and sharp
escalation” in the Yemen conflict, calling on all parties
to make civilian protection a
priority.
Civil conflict
deepened across the country in 2015, when a Saudi-led
coalition intensified military operations against Houthi
rebels who control the capital Sana’a.
Coalition airstrikes hit a government building in the densely-populated Tahrir district of the capital on Monday, reportedly killing six people, and rebels fired several missiles in the days that followed towards different targets in Saudi Arabia.
“The Secretary-General reminds all parties to the conflict that they must uphold international humanitarian law, including taking steps to protect civilians,” said a statement issued on behalf of the Secretary-General, by his Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
“All potential violations of international humanitarian law should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible for violations must be held accountable,” added the statement.
Mr. Dujarric emphasized the Secretary-General’s appeal not to escalate the fighting further “as this adversely impacts the chances for peace.”
Since political unrest first began in Yemen in
early 2011, the UN has been engaged in helping Yemenis to
find a peaceful solution. However, fighting continues and
the ensuing humanitarian crisis has only deepened in a
country that was already one of the region’s
poorest.
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“A negotiated political settlement
through inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue is the only way to
end the conflict and address the ongoing humanitarian
crisis,” said the
statement.