Yemen: Deadly stampede that killed at least 85 people must be promptly investigated
Responding to the deaths of at least 85 people and over 300 injuries in last night’s stampede at a Ramadan charity event at a school in the old city of Sana’a, Grazia Careccia, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa said:
“There must be justice for the victims of this horrific yet preventable incident which cost so many people, many believed to be children, their lives.
“The Huthi de facto authorities must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively, investigate how a charity event descended into a disaster that killed dozens and injured hundreds more. Suspected perpetrators must be brought to justice in fair trials. Victims and their families must be provided with access to justice and effective remedies. The authorities must immediately refrain from any form of interference in the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians.This is yet another cruel blow to the people of Yemen who are already bearing the brunt of eight years of armed conflict.Grazia Careccia, Amnesty International
DEATH RIASING
“This is yet another cruel blow to the people of Yemen who are already bearing the brunt of eight years of armed conflict; over two-thirds of the population needs humanitarian assistance and child malnutrition rates are alarming. The international community cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the lack of accountability for the grave violations of international law committed by all parties to the conflict.”
