Condemning Attack on Yemen Market, Secretary-General Calls Air Strike One of Deadliest Incidents since Conflict Started
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General condemns the air strikes that hit Al-Khamees market in Mastaba District in the Hajjah Province of Yemen yesterday. This incident is one of the deadliest — reportedly killing and wounding scores of civilians, including women and children — since the start of the conflict. This is the second major incident of this kind in just over two weeks.
The Secretary-General underscores to all parties the utmost necessity to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, including the fundamental rules of distinction, proportionality and precaution. Attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, including populated markets, are strictly prohibited. The Secretary-General stresses that any intentional attack against civilians or civilian objects is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It is critical to carry out prompt, effective, independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of serious violations.
The Secretary-General continues to urge all parties to the conflict to cease all military activities and to start to resolve all differences and outstanding issues in a new round of peaceful negotiations facilitated by his Special Envoy for Yemen.
The Secretary-General expresses his sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.