Yemen urges urgent international action over Houthi escalation's humanitarian impact

Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, has called on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and the Human Rights Council to take urgent action in response to the humanitarian consequences and violations resulting from the recent military escalation by Houthi militias, amid rapidly developing events along the western coast and Bab Al-Mandab region.

In a letter to the High Commissioner, cited by the Yemeni News Agency, the minister stressed that the Houthi escalation, including attacks on residential areas, displacement camps, and civilian infrastructure, has worsened the humanitarian situation and triggered new waves of displacement. She warned that the spread of threats to Bab Al-Mandab would further endanger civilians, international navigation, and supply chains.

She called on the Office of the High Commissioner, through its Yemen office, to intensify monitoring and documentation of violations, including targeting civilians, planting landmines, and recruiting children and irregular migrants, to safeguard victims’ rights and pave the way for accountability.

The Yemeni minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, noting directives from President Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to strictly adhere to rules of engagement, protect civilians and property, and facilitate the evacuation and relief of displaced persons and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba emphasized that protecting civilians and ensuring maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab are interconnected, and that restoring state sovereignty over Yemeni territory, coasts, and ports is essential to safeguard Yemenis and enhance regional and international maritime security.

The foreign minister renewed her call for the Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner to condemn Houthi violations, press for their cessation and respect for international humanitarian law, and hold accountable those who support the militia and enable such violations.

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