Local Editor
The U.N. humanitarian chief has criticized all parties to the Yemen conflict for attacks against civilians.
The "most pressing concern" there now is the protection of civilians, Stephen O’Brien told the Security Council Thursday.
"Protected places such as hospitals, schools and homes continue to be hit by all parties," he said via a video link from Brussels. "It is unacceptable that health facilities are being hit, and it is critical that the parties make guarantees that these locations will be protected," he said.
O’Brien said since the start of the war nearly one year ago, some 2,000 children have been injured or killed -- including at least 90 killed this year -- from airstrikes, shelling, ground fighting and unexploded artillery.
He emphasized that all parties are obligated under international humanitarian law to take steps to protect civilians and places they inhabit.
The U.N. and its partners estimate that 21.2 million people -- 82 percent of the population - require some form of humanitarian or protection assistance.
Last week, the United Nations appealed for $1.8 billion to meet Yemen’s humanitarian needs this year.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by Website Team
