UN Officials condemn Coalition’s Saada prison massacre

SANAA, Jan. 26 (YPA) – UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen David Gressley  have on Tuesday condemned the airstrikes launched by the Saudi-led coalition on the reserve prison in Saada province.

In a joint statement, Grundberg and Gressley said they reiterate the condemnation of the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the air raids launched by the Saudi-led coalition on Jan. 21 on the prison in Saada, killing at least 91 detainees and injuring 226 others.

The statement  considered the targeting of the prison were the worst incident in terms of the number of civilian casualties in Yemen in three years, expressing concern about the escalating cycle of violence in Yemen that continues to harm civilians.

“Over the past few weeks, airstrikes and missiles have hit hospitals, communications infrastructure, airports and other facilities, the statement reads.

Grundberg and Gressley reminded the parties that a state of war does not absolve them of their obligations under international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits disproportionate attacks and requires taking all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians, stressing the importance of accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.

They stated that the United Nations is in contact with all parties to discuss options to achieve de-escalation and start an inclusive dialogue aimed at reaching a negotiated political solution that comprehensively ends the conflict.

The UN officials urged all parties to interact with these efforts immediately and without preconditions, calling on the parties to give priority to the needs and interests of the Yemeni people.

E.M