UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Expresses Concern Over Rising Civilian Casualties in Yemen

Geneva, September 24 (KUNA) -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed shock on Thursday over the rising number of civilian casualties resulting from the escalating conflict in Yemen. In a statement issued by his office in Geneva, Türk said that new attacks launched by the Houthi militia in early August resulted in the deaths of 32 civilians, including 15 children, three women, and the displacement of more than 125,000 people, while also causing further damage to already fragile civilian infrastructure. He added that his office had also documented three Houthi militia attacks against sites hosting internally displaced persons in Marib Governorate. In this context, he stressed the necessity of respecting international humanitarian law and called on all parties to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to needy civilians, facilitating its rapid and unimpeded access. Türk demanded the immediate release of 73 UN staff members and others arbitrarily detained by the Houthi militia, some of whom have been held for many years. (End) A.M.K. / S.M.A.