The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated that Yemeni civilians are severely affected by the increase in violence in the country. This violence particularly includes clashes between Yemen's government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, and the Iran-supported Houthis.
Increase in Clashes and Humanitarian Impacts
The latest round of clashes in Yemen is a sign of the escalation of the country's internal crisis, which had been in a state of suspension following the ceasefire in 2022. In recent weeks, violence has particularly increased in areas near Taiz and along the Red Sea coast. This situation has led to a humanitarian crisis that, according to reports, has forced over 130,000 people to leave their homes, with some fleeing to the African continent.
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Casualty Statistics and Mutual Accusations
Volker Turk announced that his office has documented 32 civilians, including 15 children and 3 women, killed as a result of these clashes since the beginning of August. He added that a total of 125 people have been killed or injured in this round of violence. Both sides involved claim that hundreds have been killed in these clashes, but have not provided specific details.
Turk also referred to three attacks by Ansar Allah, the official name of the Houthi movement, on temporary shelters for the homeless. However, it is unclear whether the UN's statistics include casualties from these attacks.
The Houthi spokesperson, Mohammed Abdulsalam, stated that the UN Human Rights Office is no longer neutral and accused it of ignoring Saudi airstrikes in Yemen that have damaged public facilities. He referred to attacks on prisoners in a correctional center in Al-Jawf province as well as on homes and schools in several areas, stating that the UN's accusations are incorrect and unsubstantiated.
Over 70 UN staff members in Yemen are detained by the Houthis, some of whom have been imprisoned for years. Turk called for their release and urged all parties involved to protect civilians.
Saudi officials have repeatedly stated that their forces do not target civilians in Yemen. The Saudi diplomatic mission to the UN in Geneva also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
