HRM Warns Against Targeting Civilians During Military Interventions in Yemen
Human Rights Monitor is observing the unfolding of events in Yemen with deep concern. The current internal political scene which resulted in the loss of many Yemeni civilians' lives during the last few months through targeted bombings and killings depending on political affiliations is worrisome.
Making matters worse and more dangerous for civilians in Yemen is the Arab military intervention where 10 allies launched military operations including air strikes in Yemen against Houthi military bases because of the widening Yemen conflict. HRM expresses its unease with the strikes fearing the deaths of innocent civilians which will only lead to further turmoil and armed clashes.
HRM also condemns the targeting of civilians protesting peacefully after 6 protestors were killed and 80 others were injured by Houthi militants indicating a violation of human rights freedom as agreed in international conventions.
On March 20, suicide bombers attacked a pair of mosques in the Yemeni capital, unleashing monstrous blasts that ripped through worshippers and killed 195 people and injured 335 including children. The attack is a complete violation against humanity and those responsible must be held accountable as soon as possible to thwart any further attacks of terrorism in Yemen.
HRM calls for the end of political conflict within Yemen which has caused much bloodshed and calls for communication. It laments the loss of life on both sides as a result of the conflict and calls on them to resolve the problem with no more loss of civilian life. It states that the absence of the rule of law will only increase unrest with Yemen.
HRM also warns allies taking part in the military intervention to avoid targeting civilian gatherings regardless of their political affiliations and to end intervention since it will only lead to further loss of civilian life and bloodshed. It calls for dialogue rather than armed clashes and violence between the parties and urges they respect human rights as agreed away from killing, ill treatment and torture with no hostages taken or death and prison sentences served through unrecognized tribunals.
Furthermore HRM warns against the targeting of hospitals, red cross centres, and military and civil protection institutions and regards the targeting as a breach of international laws and Geneva conventions which highlights the significance of human rights during war and conflicts.
Moreover HRM calls on the international community to adopt the Yemen cause and to encourage dialogue between all parties with respect for the right to life for all civilians without bias and without use of arms.
