Zeid warns of total collapse in Yemen, calls for urgent
protection of civilians
GENEVA (31 March 2015) - UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Tuesday expressed alarm about the fast deteriorating
human rights situation in Yemen since 22 January when the legitimate Government
under President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi was removed by force, provoking the
recent military campaign by a coalition of ten countries lead by Saudi Arabia.
The High Commissioner called on all sides to protect
civilians from harm, and to resolve their differences through dialogue rather
than through the use of military force.
“The situation in Yemen is extremely alarming, with dozens
of civilians killed over the past four days. The country seems to be on the
verge of total collapse,” the High Commissioner said.
“I am shocked by Monday’s airstrike against the Al-Mazraq
camp for internally displaced people in Harad, in the north of Yemen,” Zeid
said. There are different accounts as to how many people were killed in the
airstrike, but UN human rights staff in Yemen have verified at least 19
fatalities, with at least 35 others injured including 11 children. This camp,
home to some 4,000 people, was established by the UN in 2009 and recently
received at least 300 new families displaced from Sa'da.
In Dhale, the 33rd armoured division and Houthis-affiliated
brigades reportedly attacked three hospitals, causing an unknown number of
casualties.
"I roundly condemn all attacks on hospitals and other
medical facilities, which have a special protected status under international
law," Zeid said.
Heavy fighting has also been reported in the streets of
Aden, resulting in casualties and making the humanitarian situation extremely
difficult.
Since 27 March, at least 93 civilians have been killed and
364 injured in Sanaá, Sa'da, Dhale, Hudayda and Lahj.
“Private homes, hospitals, education facilities and
infrastructure in several locations have been destroyed, making life even more
difficult for the people in this war-torn country,” Zeid said. Civilian
airports as well as electricity supplies have also been targeted by airstrikes
in Sa’da, Sanaá and Hudayda.
Hundreds of people are reported to have fled their homes in
Sana’a, Sa’sa and Dhale and are now displaced.
“The killing of so many innocent civilians is simply
unacceptable,” the High Commissioner said. “The principles of proportionality,
distinction, and precaution fully apply in this context. International human
rights law and humanitarian law should be fully respected.”
ENDS
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