The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, spokesperson Rupert Colville called on the Yemeni Government to "...immediately cease the use of force against people exercising their rights to peaceful protest..." He also urged the government to "...fulfil its earlier commitment to establish a commission of enquiry into allegations of killings and abuse by government forces..."

On 4 April 2011, Yemeni security forces fired on anti-government protesters, killing at least 15 people and wounding many more. Witnesses said snipers opened fire from the rooftops when demonstrators reached the governor's offices in Taiz. Snipers had also reportedly shot at protesters during a march in the fourth-largest city, Hudaida.

The unrest followed weeks of nationwide protests calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to stand down. He has ruled the country for 32 years, but has signalled that he has no plans to leave immediately.

OHCHR also noted "...worrying..." reports of detention, harassment and expulsion of human rights defenders and journalists in Yemen.

 "...There are also worrying reports of detention, harassment and expulsion of human rights defenders and journalists in Yemen and we call on the government to halt the targeting of minorities particularly a marginalized group commonly referred to as the Akhdam..."
~ Rupert Colville, Spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights

The office called on the Government to halt the targeting of minorities, particularly the marginalized group commonly referred to as the "Akhdam."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and humanitarian chief Valerie Amos have also voiced their concern about the situation in Yemen, where the ongoing violence is worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis owing to protracted conflict in the north.

Ban called for a broad dialogue with the political opposition, youth groups and other elements of civil society leading to "...bold..." reforms in the country.

Courtesy: United Nations & United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)