UNICEF calls for immediate halt coalition attacks on water facilities, infrastructure in Yemen

 SANAA, Aug. 1 (YPA) – UNICEF called for an immediate halt coalition attacks on water facilities and civilian infrastructure in Yemen, stressing that the war is robbing the future of Yemen’s children.

“Attacks on civilian facilities and services are unacceptable, inhumane and contrary to the basic laws of war,” UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore said in a press release.

“Continuous violence and repeated attacks on the life-saving civilian infrastructure in Hodeidah pose a direct threat to the survival of hundreds of thousands of children and their families,” Fore said, pointing out that Yemen faces a severe shortage of drinking water.

Fore said that the attack on water infrastructure undermined efforts to prevent cholera outbreaks and severe watery diarrhea in Yemen.

A UNICEF-supported warehouse containing hygiene and water supplies was twice bombed and a sanitation center in Zabid district, supported by UNICEF, was attacked and destroyed its fuel store, as well as a water station in the port which provided Hodeidah with most of its water, was also shelled .

Henrietta renewed calls for all parties of the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in Yemen, “No victor in the Yemen war, so it robs the future of Yemen’s children,” she said.

Sameera Hassn