Advertisement

OHCHR troubled by findings in Yemen

GENEVA, Switzerland, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- While Yemen has the right to take security measures to keep peace, lethal force isn't an appropriate response to peaceful protests, the United Nations said.

A delegation from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights conducted a survey of the situation in Yemen earlier this summer. In a report on its findings, published Tuesday, the OHCHR expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.

Advertisement

"The mission observed an overall situation where many Yemenis peacefully calling for greater freedoms, an end to corruption and respect for rule of law were met with excessive and disproportionate use of lethal force by the state," the report states. "Hundreds have been killed and thousands have suffered injuries including loss of limbs."

The report added that while Yemen has a duty to keep the peace, that doesn't give it a mandate to use lethal force on peaceful demonstrators.

The report comes after embattled Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh gave his deputy authority to negotiate a political settlement in the country.

Saleh has faced mounting domestic and international pressure to step down.

Advertisement

A deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council would give Saleh immunity in exchange for his departure from power. He's been in Saudi Arabia since a June attack on his presidential compound.

Latest Headlines