On the impact of fighting in Yemen: Joint statement

EU News 89/2015

01 April 2015
STATEMENT/15/4737

The impact on the civilian population, in particular on children, of the ongoing fighting between different militias, bombardments and disruption of essential services is reaching alarming proportions and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

The airstrike on the Al-Marzaq camp in Hajjah, mostly hosting displaced persons, killed and wounded a high number of civilians.

The attacks on hospitals and medical facilities by warring factions as well as the deliberate targeting and destruction of private homes, education facilities and basic infrastructure cannot be tolerated.

We call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and avoid the direct targeting of civilian infrastructure. All measures to ensure the respect of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law should be taken. We call on all sides to give unrestricted access to humanitarians, so that they can keep delivering vital assistance to the most vulnerable people.

The EU will continue to support all efforts to bring the Yemeni parties back to the negotiating table, on the basis of broad and inclusive participation, without preconditions and with the clear objective to reach a sustainable political compromise.

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-15-4737_en.htm?locale=en

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