UN Refugee Agency Urges Restraint To Protect Civilians In Yemen - Spokeswoman

The UN refugee agency urges the warring parties in Yemen to show restraint after civilians were reportedly killed while trying to flee hostilities in Al Hudaydah province, spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) The UN refugee agency urges the warring parties in Yemen to show restraint after civilians were reportedly killed while trying to flee hostilities in Al Hudaydah province, spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said.

"UNHCR remains particularly concerned for civilians in Yemen and continues to urge all parties to do their utmost to protect civilians, including those displaced and fleeing for safety," the UNHCR spokeswoman said in Geneva.

Mantoo said the agency was saddened to hear about the deaths this week of nine civilians fleeing violence in Al Garrahi district in Al Hudaydah, where fighting is raging for the control of a key Red Sea port.

"UNHCR also continues to appeal for the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need and the protection of humanitarian infrastructure," Mantoo went on to say.

Yemen has been ravaged by almost four years of war between an internationally-backed government aided by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels, which has pushed a half of the country's population to the brink of starvation.