Concerned for civilians in Yemen, UNHCR echoes calls for continued restraint

Briefing notes

Concerned for civilians in Yemen, UNHCR echoes calls for continued restraint

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

16 November 2018 Also available in:

Yemen. Displaced Yemenis take refuge in Sana'a

Newborns Deena and Hayam take a nap at a collective centre for multiple displaced Yemeni families on the outskirts of Sana'a, after being displaced from their home by fighting, April 2018.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, echoes the calls, made by the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen and the Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator this week, for parties to the conflict to show continued restraint in Yemen and for the implementation of a cessation of hostilities.

UNHCR remains particularly concerned for civilians in Yemen and continues to urge all parties to do their utmost to protect civilians, including those displaced and fleeing for safety. UNHCR is very saddened by reports of the deaths of nine civilians in Al Garrahi district in Al Hudaydah governorate earlier this week, who were trying to flee for safety.

The conflict in Yemen has taken a disproportionate toll on the civilian population and we continue to urge all parties to the conflict to ensure adherence to the obligations enshrined under International Humanitarian Law. UNHCR also continues to appeal for the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need and the protection of humanitarian infrastructure.

With almost four years of war resulting in the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, UNHCR reiterates that only a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen can halt further suffering.

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