AI asks Saudis to clarify phosphorous bombs against Yemeni civilians
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Dec 9, IRNA -- The Amnesty International says Saudi Arabia authorities are yet to clarify the use of phosphorous bombs against Yemeni civilians, as hundreds of people are being killed under Saudi attacks.
Lamri Chirouf, a senior researcher at the Amnesty International, told IRNA that the displacement and killing of hundreds of people in northern Yemen is a “serious issue and violation of international humanitarian law”.
“There are over a hundred thousand internally displaced people in Yemen and hundreds of civilians have been killed, although no exact figure exists.”
Chirouf said a huge number of Yemeni people have been internally displaced and are now living in camps as the fighting seems to be continuing.
Saudi Arabia has been launching air attacks in northern Yemen against the country’s Houthi fighters, alleging that they have positioned in the Saudi soil. The Shiite fighters say Yemeni villages are being targeted with deadly phosphorous bombs, which cause massive injuries and are banned under the Geneva conventions.
The Amnesty International says it has written to Saudi Arabia authorities asking them for clarification of these reports as “there have been some allegations regarding the use of phosphorous bombs by Saudi Arabia against the Yemeni civilians.”
Chirouf insisted that Saudi Arabia should investigate these allegations “because bombarding civilians is against the international humanitarian law.”
Asked about the Amnesty’s measures to ensure that civilians are not being targetted, he said the conflict area “is not easily accessible for journalists and independent human rights observers because it is restricted by the Yemeni authorities and the security is not ensured."
“Over the past years we had very positive cooperation on behalf of the Yemeni government and there have been a significant increase in the number of NGOs in Yemen. However, in the current circumstances, we are following up the issue and have asked for clarification.”
Chirouf said the Amnesty has asked for assurances that civilians are not targeted and that refugees should not be forced back to places of conflict.
“No one should be subjected to torture and ill-treatment including those who are involved in the fighting. The Yemeni and Saudi governments should abide by international humanitarian rules.”
Chirouf reiterated that the AI does not support or oppose any party in this conflict.
“It is our purpose that all parties live by the international standards of protecting the human dignity.”
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End News / IRNA / News Code 833172
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