GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday expressed alarm at the rising civilian toll of the escalating hostilities in Yemen, urging restraint and immediate de-escalation of tensions.
At least seventeen civilian casualties from Ansar Allah attacks have been reported in Government-controlled areas since 6 August, and two casualties were reported in Ansar Allah-controlled areas in late July.
“I call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and spare the Yemeni people from further misery. The Yemeni people have already suffered way too much from the devastating legacy of years of conflict, displacement and humanitarian crisis,” said Türk.
“I urge all parties to halt immediately any actions that risk returning Yemen to full-scale conflict.”
On 7 August, an Ansar Allah missile hit the Jaw al-Naseem camp for internally displaced people in Ma’rib, injuring six civilians, including a child. Ansar Allah missile and drone attacks on Al-Mokha port in Ta’izz Governorate on 9 August killed three port workers and injured four others. Our Office is verifying reports of further Ansar Allah attacks on Al Mokha Port on 14 and 15 August that may have resulted in civilian casualties.
Another attack by the group on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on 11 August reportedly killed four crew members, three Pakistanis and one Indonesian, and injured several others.
“It is critical that all parties abide by international humanitarian and human rights law. They must refrain from attacks against civilians and civilian objects and take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian deaths and injuries, and damage to civilian objects,” said the UN Human Rights Chief.
Multiple civilian objects were reportedly hit, including, fuel storage facilities and a residential compound at the Saudi Field Hospital in Mokha.
“Attacks on civilian infrastructure risk further deepening civilian suffering at a time when at least 18 million Yemenis are already food insecure. These attacks must end immediately,” said Türk.
