13/10/2026
Clarification Issued by the Southern Independent Group (SIG)
The Southern Independent Group welcomes the statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk, calling for investigations into attacks on civilians and other alleged violations committed by parties to the conflict, accountability for those responsible, and the protection of civilians in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The Group also welcomes the condemnation by the Office of the High Commissioner of attacks on airports and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia, and reiterates its rejection of the targeting of civilians and civilian objects, regardless of who is responsible.
At the same time, the Group hopes to see similarly positive responses to the previous bombing of Aden International Airport, Mukalla Port and Seiyun Airport, as well as attacks on vital infrastructure in the South and across Yemen, given their impact on civilian lives and essential services.
The Group hopes that this UN statement will encourage all relevant stakeholders to support the establishment of an independent UN commission of inquiry with a comprehensive mandate to investigate the situation in Yemen. Its mandate should encompass accountability for all domestic and international parties whose involvement in violations is established, the preservation of evidence, and justice for victims, including their rights to truth, justice, reparation and compensation, with consistent standards applied to all parties.
The Group affirms that the protection of civilians is indivisible, and that consistency in human rights responses strengthens confidence in international mechanisms and ensures equal consideration for the rights of all victims.
Southern Independent Group (SIG)
13 October 2026