Grundberg, Grisley condemn coalition raids on Reserve prison in Sa’ada

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen David Grisley on Tuesday condemned the air strikes launched by the Saudi-led coalition on the reserve prison in Sa’ada province. In a joint statement, Grundberg and Grisley 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 Sa’ada, killing at least 91 detainees and injuring 226 others.

They 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.

They added in recent weeks air strikes and missiles have hit hospitals, communications infrastructure, airports and other facilities. Grundberg and Grisley 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.

The UN envoy and Humanitarian Coordinator 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.

They 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.