GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The use of disproportionate force by government troops in Yemen is extremely disappointing, a spokeswoman for the U.N. human rights commissioner said.
Yemen Vice President Abdu Rabbo Mansoor Hadi took control over the country after Ali Abdullah Saleh resigned last month, following through on a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Saleh survived a June assassination attempt and his November resignation ended 10 months of political turmoil. Violence, however, continues with clashes reported between the political opposition and government supporters.
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said there were serious concerns about the security situation in Yemen despite calls for a cease-fire and despite Saleh's resignation.
"The continued use of disproportionate force by part of the government security forces, despite commitments made to investigate serious human rights violations, is extremely disappointing," Shamdasani said in a statement. "The killings must stop immediately and we urge all sides to halt the use of violent force."
Shamdasani urged Sanaa to cooperate, as promised, with U.N. rights officials and give its staff access to the country.
The rights commission estimates at least 20 people, including three children, were killed in Yemeni violence since Thursday.
