UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has voiced alarm over mounting civilian casualties amid escalating hostilities in Yemen, urging all parties to exercise restraint and immediately de-escalate tensions.
At least 17 civilian casualties resulting from Houthi attacks have been reported in government-controlled areas since August 6, while two casualties were recorded in Houthi-controlled areas in late July, according to the UN Human Rights Office on Monday.
“I call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and spare the Yemeni people from further misery,” Turk said, warning against actions that could return the country to full-scale conflict.
A Houthi missile struck the Jaw al-Naseem camp for internally displaced people in Marib on August 7, injuring six civilians, including a child.
Missile and drone attacks on Mokha port in Taiz governorate on August 9 killed three port workers and wounded four others.
The UN office is also verifying reports of further attacks on the port on August 14 and 15 that may have caused civilian casualties.
An attack on a cargo ship in the Bab al Mandeb Strait on August 11 reportedly killed four crew members, three Pakistanis and one Indonesian, and wounded several others.
Multiple civilian sites were also reportedly hit, including fuel storage facilities and a residential compound at the Saudi Field Hospital in Mokha.
“All parties must abide by international humanitarian and human rights law,” Turk said, urging them to refrain from attacks on civilians and civilian objects.
He warned that strikes on civilian infrastructure risk worsening suffering in Yemen, where at least 18 million people are already facing food insecurity.
“These attacks must end immediately,” he added.
