Concerned by Escalating Fighting in Yemen, Secretary-General Reminds Parties of Obligation to Take All Feasible Precautions to Avoid Loss of Life

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

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned by the escalating ground fighting and airstrikes that have caused further devastation to Yemen’s cities and an ever-growing number of civilian casualties in recent days.  Recalling that all parties to the conflict are obligated to take all feasible precautions to avoid loss of civilian life and damage to civilian objects, the Secretary-General reiterates the need for accountability for serious violations of international law that may have occurred during the conflict.

The Secretary-General welcomes the release of three Saudi citizens, two American citizens and one British citizen by the Houthis on 20 September.  This measure represents a concrete and positive step in efforts to lessen tensions in the region and ease the path to a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Yemen.

The Secretary-General hopes that the release of these six foreign citizens will be followed immediately by the release of all civilians detained or held for political reasons in Yemen.

The Secretary General calls upon all parties in the conflict to work with his Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, in the search for a durable political solution.