Condemning Deadly Air Strike on Civilian Funeral in Yemen, Secretary-General Calls for Impartial Investigation to Ensure Perpetrators Face Justice

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

The Secretary-General condemns the attack on an event hall in Sana’a where hundreds of people were gathered for a funeral ceremony.  Initial reports indicate that the attack, said to have been airstrikes by the Coalition, killed over 140 people and injured hundreds of others.  The Secretary-General expresses his sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General notes that any deliberate attack against civilians is utterly unacceptable and calls for a prompt and impartial investigation of this incident.  Those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice.

The Secretary-General once again reminds all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the fundamental rules of proportionality, distinction and precaution, to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure against attack.