Condemning Excessive Use of Force as Situation in Yemen Deteriorates,

 

Secretary-General Calls for Probe into Extrajudicial Killing Claims

 

The following statement was issued on 12 March by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is greatly concerned about the deteriorating situation in Yemen.  In particular, he condemns the excessive use of force by the security forces of the Government of Yemen against peaceful demonstrators in Sana'a on 12 March, which has led to the death of several people and the injury of many others.

The Secretary-General calls for utmost restraint.  He urges the Government and opposition groups to reach an understanding on entering into a genuine and broad-based dialogue leading to concrete results so as to avert a further deterioration of the situation.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Yemen to uphold international human rights standards and to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.

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For information media • not an official record