Over 600 civilians killed or injured and 200,000 displaced in a month of Houthi escalation.

Recent Houthi Escalation Causes Civilian Casualties and Displacement

The government announced that the recent escalation by the Houthi militia during September resulted in the deaths and injuries of over 600 civilians, alongside the displacement of nearly 200,000 individuals across various provinces.

Minister of Human Rights, Mashdal Mohammed Omar, delivered this information during Yemen’s address at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He reported that preliminary figures as of September 30 indicate:

• More than 250 civilian fatalities
• Over 360 injuries
• Approximately 200,000 displaced individuals

The minister held the Houthi militia fully responsible for the deterioration of humanitarian and human rights conditions, particularly the severe violations faced by civilians, especially children.

Victims of Houthi Shelling

The minister clarified that the ministry received reports of 50 casualties among those fleeing from Hays to Al-Khawkhah due to Houthi shelling. Some victims suffered severe burns and charring. He also highlighted the deaths of three children in a Houthi attack on the village of Al-Tarirah in Taiz on September 17, including a girl who was only one and a half years old. Additionally, nearly three thousand people have fled to Djibouti to escape the escalation.

Child Recruitment and Exploitation of Migrants

The minister emphasized that child recruitment represents one of the gravest violations committed by the Houthi militia. They have transformed schools and summer centers into tools for mobilization and recruitment, placing children in military environments that jeopardize their lives and futures. The government also expressed concern over the exploitation of African migrants, who are being recruited and coerced into combat roles under threat.

Targeting Health and Educational Facilities

The minister noted that Houthi attacks have disrupted services in 26 health facilities supported by UNICEF in Taiz, Al-Hudaydah, Marib, and the western coast. Furthermore, they have looted warehouses and clinics funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and targeted the Saudi field hospital in Al-Khawkhah.

In the education sector, the escalation led to the closure or suspension of classes in 243 schools, affecting over 140,000 students. Classes have also ceased in 29 schools in the Jabal Habashi district of Taiz.

Threat to International Navigation

The minister stressed that targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab poses a direct threat to freedom of navigation, international trade, the safety of sailors, and global supply chains.

Detention of United Nations Employees

He pointed out the ongoing arbitrary detention of 73 UN employees by the Houthi militia, with one confirmed death during detention, according to the United Nations.

Call for Support for Yemen

In conclusion, the minister urged the Human Rights Council and member states to adopt the draft resolution concerning technical assistance and capacity-building for Yemen. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cooperating with the council and the High Commissioner to protect civilians and enhance accountability, aiming for peace based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.

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