Edda Björk Ragnarsdóttir, specialist, delivered on Tuesday a statement in the Human Rights Council on the situation in Yemen, where a bloody conflict has led to the death of thousands of civilians and had devastating effects on the human rights and living conditions of the people.   

Iceland statement in Interactive Dialogue on Yemen

25 September 2018

Mr. President,

The findings of the Group of Independent Eminent International and Regional Experts with regard to the situation in Yemen are as important as they are shocking.

Iceland is deeply concerned by the conclusion of the Group of Experts that parties to the armed conflict in Yemen may have committed war crimes, and are responsible for various human rights violations, including unlawful deprivation of the right to life, arbitrary detention, rape, torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance and child recruitment, as well as violations of freedom of expression and economic, social and cultural rights.

We take this opportunity to reiterate our condemnation of the indiscriminate air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

Mr. President,

Iceland wholeheartedly agrees with the recommendations of the Group of Experts, including their call for an immediate cessation of violence committed against civilians in violation of applicable international human rights and international humanitarian law.

Taking note of the warning issued by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Lowcock, earlier this week, that a famine may strike Yemen under current circumstances, we also urge all parties to fulfill obligations to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief and unhindered access to medical facilities.

We would also like to stress that acts of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual violence against women and children, must be stopped. We furthermore condemn the recruitment and use of children in the armed conflict.

The people of Yemen deserve peace and must be given a sustainable and inclusive peace. The Human Rights Council must do its part by ensuring that the situation in Yemen remains on its agenda, including by renewing the mandate of the Group of Experts.

I thank you.