Yemen air strike wreaks devastation on civilians

Handicap International strongly condemns the air strike on a funeral hall which killed 140 people and injured 500 in Sanaa, on Saturday 8th October 2016. The ongoing bombing of civilians and civil infrastructure must be stopped immediately.

A woman with a leg injury, supported by Handicap International at the Al-Thawra hospital in Sanaa, 2016.

A woman with a leg injury, supported by Handicap International at the Al-Thawra hospital in Sanaa, in early 2016. | © Handicap International

"This recent air strike, condemned by the United Nations Secretary General, demonstrates a complete disregard for civilian lives,” says Anne Héry, Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations.

“Handicap International demands a full investigation into this attack and is once again calling for all parties to the conflict in Yemen to comply with international humanitarian law and immediately stop the bombing of civilians.”

Handicap International has recently launched a campaign condemning the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, which sadly is common practice in ongoing conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Ukraine etc. In 90% of cases the victims of this barbaric practice are civilians.

When used in populated areas, explosive weapons kill and cause serious injuries and suffering (such as burns, open wounds, fractures). They result in disability and psychological trauma. Using weapons in this way leads to mass population displacement and destroys vital infrastructure including houses, schools and hospitals.

During the bombing, some munitions will not explode on impact. These unexploded munitions remain a threat to the civilian population long after a conflict has ended. The presence of explosive remnants of war makes it dangerous for people to return to their homes once an attack or the conflict is over.