Human Rights Council – 46th session
Interactive Dialogue on the Oral update of the group of eminent experts on Yemen
25 February 2021
Australian Statement
Australia thanks the Group of Eminent Experts for its oral update and we express our ongoing support for your mandate.
Australia is alarmed by reports of violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law in Yemen. We are seriously concerned about the prospect of impending famine and call for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, particularly in Yemen’s north.
We call on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including those related to the protection of civilians, and humanitarian and health personnel.
We welcome the negotiation of a prisoner exchange in October 2020 and encourage discussions towards further exchanges.
Australia urges all parties to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths to work towards an inclusive political settlement. We call on all parties to ensure women’s participation in the peace process.
Australia would welcome the views of the Group of Eminent Experts on the role of Yemeni institutions and civil society in ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
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