28th August, 2018 – Save the Children welcomes the UN’s new report on human rights violations in Yemen, which condemns all parties to the conflict for their complete and utter disregard for civilian lives.
The report, from an appointed panel of human rights experts, found that between March 2015 and June 2018 there were at least 16,706 civilian casualties, with close to 6,500 deaths. They noted the actual figure is likely to be significantly higher.
The impunity is such that civilians are now being directly targeted by air strikes on infrastructure such as hospitals and schools; densely populated areas such as marketplaces and residential areas; and community events such as weddings and funerals – meaning nowhere is safe for the children of Yemen.
Save the Children’s President and CEO, Bill Chambers, said:
“This report reaffirms what we already knew: that all parties to this conflict are violating international law, and in some cases, could be committing war crimes. We have seen that children are paying the heaviest price for this war, as they have been killed and maimed in indiscriminate attacks. The report provides documented evidence of these horrific atrocities.
“Now, the international community must end the impunity and hold those responsible to account. Time and again, Canada has stepped up to champion and protect human rights and push for accountability when crimes are committed in conflict. The violations of international law that we are witnessing in Yemen – including attacks on children – are a critical instance where Canada’s leadership is needed. Canada must condemn these attacks, speak out against atrocities and lead efforts to hold perpetrators to account.”
“The children of Yemen are being deprived of their childhoods and their futures. We cannot accept this state of affairs which sees children becoming collateral damage in this conflict. To that end, not only must they and their families be protected during this conflict, but all parties must make genuine attempts to find a solution at the upcoming peace talks.”
Media Contact
For additional information please contact Jessica Bryant, Head of Communications, Media & Public Relations:
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Canada and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.