Geneva Institute for Human Rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged government and opposition groups in Yemen to embark upon a genuine and comprehensive dialogue to prevent further violence in the country on September 22, following days of escalating violence and bloodshed.

“Yemen is at a very sensitive and dangerous crossroads and the Government
and opposition will need to tread carefully,” said Pillay.

Pillay condemned the use of live ammunition and snipers by security forces and their affiliates against protesters in Change Square and surrounding areas in Sanaa and Freedom Square in Ta'izz. She also condemned the resort to violence by anti-Government armed groups. Clashes have reportedly led to dozens of deaths of mostly unarmed demonstrators.

A UN assessment mission to Yemen in June concluded that the state had used excessive force to quell demonstrations, including the use of water cannons attached to the sewage water system, live ammunition, snipers and
ultimately heavy weaponry.

Pillay strongly urged the Yemeni government to move quickly to implement all the recommendations contained in the assessment mission's report, especially to allow an international independent investigation into rights violations. She also highlighted the call for establishment of an OHCHR country office in Yemen.