Secretary-General, Deploring Coalition Airstrikes on United Nations Compound in Aden, Yemen, Says Event Underscores Imperative to Resume Negotiations

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General deplores the Coalition airstrikes on a United Nations compound in Aden on 28 June, which resulted in serious damage to the United Nations Development Programme office and injured a guard.

International humanitarian law requires protection by all parties of civilians and civilian facilities, including United Nations staff and United Nations premises.  The inviolability of United Nations premises and the important work of all United Nations staff must be respected at all times.  The Secretary-General urges a full investigation into this incident and that anyone found to be responsible for any breaches be held to account.  Ensuring accountability is indispensable in preventing such incidents.

The Secretary-General strongly believes that this incident only underscores the imperative that all the parties to the conflict must end the fighting and return to the negotiation table as the only possible way to achieve a durable peace in Yemen.