Deadly Air Raid On Yemen Aid Camp

UNICEF Sounds Alarm After Deadly Air Raid On Yemen Aid Camp

18 September 2009 – The UN Children’s Fund is deeply concerned about reports that civilians, including children, died in an air raid on a camp for displaced persons in northern Yemen.

Media reports indicate that more than 80 people died in the raid that took place this week in Al Adi, close to Yemen’s border with Saudi Arabia.

Fighting in northern Yemen has surged since last month and left some 150,000 people, the majority of whom are women and children, displaced and in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.

UNICEF’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Sigrid Kaag, says that the raid left a high number of casualties, mainly women and children.

“They had sought refuge in the makeshift camp to flee heavy fighting.

“This latest incident is a tragic development in an already alarming situation. More than a month after the latest escalation of fighting, children affected by the conflict still have no access to safe water, adequate sanitation, health care and protection. Their lives are threatened by disease and violence.

“This is unacceptable.

“Children should not be caught in conflict. Their right to health, protection and safety must be protected at all times.

“UNICEF renews its appeal for all parties in the conflict to abide by their obligations under international law and to ensure that children remain out of harm’s way and are given the assistance they urgently need.”

ENDS

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