Yemen: Ban calls for all warring parties to halt operations after Saudi-led airstrikes destroy hospital

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition that hit the Hayadeen Medical Hospital in the Sa’dah governorate, which is run by Médecins Sans Frontières with support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The strikes reportedly resulted in injuries to several people and the complete destruction of the facility, according to a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson in New York.

The Secretary-General said that “hospitals and medical personnel are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law” and reminded all parties involved “to respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law to prevent attacks against civilians and civilian objects.”

In his statement, Mr. Ban called for “a prompt, effective and impartial investigation in order to ensure accountability” and urged all parties in the Yemen conflict to immediately cease all operations, including airstrikes.