Secretary-General Condemns Deadly Air Strike on Yemen School, Reiterates There Is No Military Solution to Crisis

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

The Secretary-General condemns the attack, reported to have been an air strike, on a school in the Sa'ada Governorate of northern Yemen on 13 August.  The attack killed at least 10 children and injured many more.

The Secretary-General notes with dismay that civilians, including children, continue to bear the brunt of increased fighting and military operations in Yemen.  He calls for a swift investigation of this tragic event and urges the parties to take all necessary measures to prevent further violations of international humanitarian law and human rights and do everything in their power to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The Secretary-General reiterates that there is no military solution to the crisis in Yemen.  He calls upon the parties to renew — without delay and in good faith — their engagement with his Special Envoy for Yemen in pursuit of a negotiated solution.