Save the Children condems attack on funeral in Sana'a, Yemen

Sunday, 9 October 2016 - 9:58pm

Save the Children unequivocally condemns Saturday’s attack on a community hall in Sana’a where mourners had gathered to pay their respects during a funeral ceremony. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 140 people, including dozens of children, and injured hundreds more according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Edward Santiago, Save the Children’s Country Director in Yemen, said: “This attack is inexcusable and yet another example of the scant regard for humanitarian laws all sides to the conflict continue to demonstrate when it comes to the protection of civilians, including the lives of innocent children.

“While the Human Rights Council took an encouraging first step last month by appointing additional international experts to Yemen, the Council again failed to agree to the establishment of an independent commission of enquiry to investigate alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws. Saturday’s attack is yet another example of why such a body is necessary in order to address the ongoing lack of accountability. Without it, all sides will continue to pursue their military objectives with impunity.

“Enough is therefore enough – it is high time the international community put aside political and economic interests and exerted sustained pressure on all the parties to the conflict to find a sustainable solution to the conflict and end this senseless loss of life."

ENDS

For spokesperson interviews please contact Save the Children UK Press Office on +44 7831650409