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OHCHR expresses concern on deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen

Xinhua, October 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday expressed concerns on rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen's southwestern city of Taiz.

In Taiz, on Wednesday, at least 15 civilians, including two children and one woman, were killed and 73 civilians, including 13 children and two women, were injured as a result of indiscriminate shelling by members of the Popular Committees affiliated with the Houthis.

Taiz's civilian population is bearing the brunt of the siege as they struggle to meet their most basic needs, including potable water. The price of water has soared by three times in the past week.

According to reports received by OHCHR, members of the Popular Committees Affiliated with the Houthis and armed forces loyal to former President Saleh have also prevented local traders and residents from crossing check points with water, fruit and vegetables and other essential goods.

OHCHR is also concerned with the deteriorating health situation in Taiz and the near collapse of the health system. At present, there are a total of six public and private hospitals that are partially functional in Taiz.

The on-going armed conflict in Yemen is taking a terrible toll on civilians. From March 26 to October 16, OHCHR Yemen Country Office has recorded 7,655 civilian casualties, including 2,577 killed and 5,078 wounded. Endit