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

Recent Escalation by Houthi Militias

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

Human Rights Minister Moshadal Mohammed Omar stated in Yemen’s address to the Human Rights Council during its sixty-third session in Geneva 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 terrorist militias 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 explained that the ministry received information regarding 50 fatalities and injuries among the victims of shelling targeting displaced individuals fleeing from Hays to Al-Khokha. He noted that some victims suffered severe burns. Additionally, he reported the deaths of three children in a Houthi attack on the village of Al-Tarirah in Taiz province on September 17, including a girl who was only one and a half years old. He also mentioned that around three thousand people had 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 militias, which have transformed schools and summer centers into tools for mobilization and recruitment, placing children in military environments that threaten their lives and futures. He expressed the government’s concern over the exploitation of African migrants, who are being recruited and forced to fight under pressure and threats.

Targeting Health and Educational Facilities

The minister indicated that Houthi attacks have disrupted services in 26 health facilities supported by UNICEF in Taiz, Al-Hudaydah, Marib, and the western coast. He also reported the looting of warehouses and clinics funded by the King Salman Relief Center and the targeting of the Saudi field hospital in Al-Khokha.

In the education sector, the escalation led to the closure or suspension of classes in 243 schools, affecting more than 140,000 students. Classes have also stopped 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 noted the continued arbitrary detention of 73 UN employees by the Houthi militias, 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 on technical assistance and capacity building for Yemen, reaffirming the government’s commitment to cooperate 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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