Press briefing on Yemen

We are closely monitoring, with great concern, the critical situation in Yemen where the political dialogue is faltering. We urge a meaningful dialogue to avoid further instability.

In the context of the many mass demonstrations over the past few months, we have documented a number of unlawful arrests, arbitrary detention and the targeting of journalists. One protestor was killed in Ibb last week, when special forces under the control of the Houthis reportedly used live ammunition to disperse demonstrations.

So far, no investigations appear to have been initiated into such violations and abuses, fuelling a long-standing lack of accountability for violations committed in Yemen in recent years.

We have shared our concerns with the relevant authorities, in particular our call for justice and accountability for human rights violations and abuses. It is crucial that all sides exercise restraint and work to resolve the political impasse in a peaceful manner and to avoid the situation from spiraling out of control.

ENDS

For more information or media requests, please contact rshamdasani@ohchr.org Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org ) or Cécile Pouilly (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org).

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