Civilians bear the brunt, with deadly US strikes in Iran and thousands displaced in Yemen
UN investigators condemned recent US strikes in Iran that killed civilians, while escalating fighting in Yemen displaced tens of thousands, worsening a humanitarian crisis already straining aid efforts.
UN human rights investigators urged an immediate end to hostilities after US airstrikes in Iran killed civilians, including children in a school strike, amid rising regional tensions. The Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Iran reported credible evidence of strikes hitting a residential home and a wedding, causing civilian casualties despite US claims of not targeting civilians. Mission members highlighted concerns over compliance with international law, calling for strict adherence to obligations to protect civilians and prevent war crimes. They also demanded unrestricted access for monitors and investigators to secure evidence for accountability and urged Member States to pursue diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the conflict.
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported at least 80,000 people displaced in Yemen in recent days, many fleeing for the second or third time due to escalating fighting between Saudi-backed authorities and Iran-backed Houthi militia. The conflict has intensified with Houthi fighters seizing islands in the Red Sea and a key port city, controlling the Bab al-Mandab Strait and targeting Saudi shipping. The UN migration agency, IOM, warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions on the ground, with urgent humanitarian needs growing amid severe insecurity.
Humanitarian agencies including OCHA reported critically low supplies and funding shortages, with operations suspended in several locations due to insecurity and restricted access to roads on Yemen’s west coast. As of 12 September, aid reached thousands of households, but the UN emergency relief agency emphasized that access remains severely constrained, leaving communities without essential support. The UN Deputy Spokesperson noted increasing civilian tolls, with 40 verified casualties between 1 September and Monday, half of whom were women and children.
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, verified 40 civilian casualties in Yemen over four days, including eight killed and 32 injured, with women and children disproportionately affected. OCHA reiterated calls for all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure safe humanitarian access to deliver urgent assistance to communities in need. The UN stressed the importance of upholding legal obligations to safeguard civilians and facilitate unimpeded aid delivery amid the deepening crisis.