United Nations, New York, Dec 29, : .Hans Grundberg is the UN Special Envoy for Yemen.
He stated that the country’s increasing violence has been “amongst the worst” over recent years and that civilians are being increasingly targeted.He said Tuesday that airstrikes against Sanaa had caused civilian casualties and damaged non-combatant infrastructure.
According to Xinhua, civilians are being killed, injured, or forced from their homes by the ongoing offensive against Marib.
The special envoy also expressed concern at sustained attacks on Saudi Arabia that have caused civilian casualties as well as destruction of infrastructure.
He stated that any targeting of civilians or civilian objects, as well as attacks indiscriminately by any actor, is an egregious violation of international humanitarian laws and should be stopped immediately.
Grundberg says that escalation undermines any political agreement that can be sustained.
He said that international human rights and humanitarian law violations cannot be ignored.
The UN Envoy also highlighted the dire consequences of a precarious humanitarian environment, saying, “2021 ends with a bittersweet note to the Yemeni people.Millions of them are living in poverty and hunger, as well as severe restrictions on freedom of movement.”
UN calls for opening Sanaa Airport and removal of all obstacles that prevent Yemenis moving within and between the governorates.
Grundberg stated that he is ready to collaborate with all parties and seek immediate solutions.He also addressed humanitarian needs.
Parallel coverage was provided by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, and Michelle Bachelet, the High Commissioner for Human Rights.They expressed deep concern about the wellbeing of two UN staff members detained at Sanaa in the early part of November.
In a statement, Azoulay and Bachelet said that they were unable to contact the staff since then.
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