Secretary-General, Concerned over Reported Civilian Casualties in Yemen, Recalls Humanitarian Law Principles of ‘Proportionality, Distinction, Precaution’

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over reports of numerous civilian casualties resulting from ongoing military operations in Yemen, including an airstrike on 30 March on the Al-Mazraq camp for internally displaced persons in Harad, in the north of Yemen, and attacks against several hospitals in Dhale, in the south of the country.  These attacks left dozens dead and injured, among them children.

The Secretary-General reminds all parties involved in military operations in Yemen of their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians.  This includes the strict adherence to the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution.  He also stresses that hospitals and other medical installations have a special protected status under international law.

The Secretary-General reiterates his firm belief in the necessity to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.