UN chief voices concern over escalation in Yemeni conflict
United Nations, May 10: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the recent and sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict, between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels, said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
Airstrikes by the Saudi-led military coalition hit a government building in the rebel-held Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Monday, and the Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles on Sunday and Wednesday toward different targets in Saudi Arabia, including the capital city of Riyadh, Xinhua news agency reported.
The secretary-general reminded all parties to the conflict that they must uphold international humanitarian law, including taking steps to protect civilians, said Dujarric in a statement. "All potential violations of international humanitarian law should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible for violations must be held accountable."
The UN chief appealed to the parties to refrain from further escalation. He reminded the parties that a negotiated political settlement through inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue is the only way to end the conflict and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, said the statement.
Yemen has been in civil war since 2015, pitting Houthi rebels and forces loyal to the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The Saudi-led military coalition is fighting the Houthis in a bid to restore the Hadi government.
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Allahabad HC orders police protection to married couple apprehending 'honour killing'
Prayagraj (PTI): The Allahabad High Court has granted protection to a married couple who expressed fear that they may be killed by the woman's family.
The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena on March 25.
"No individual can make an 'honour issue' out of a consenting adult marrying a person of their own choice. It is the state's duty to protect the life, limb, and property of such persons even against their own family members," the bench said.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Prachi Agrawal and her partner, who sought relief in connection with an FIR filed under Section 87 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping, and abducting or inducing a woman to compel her marriage.
The couple submitted that they married at an Arya Samaj temple and possessed a marriage registration certificate issued under the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Rules, 2017.
The petitioners alleged that the woman's family members were averse to their marriage and lodged a bogus FIR against them.
The couple further submitted a joint affidavit expressing apprehension of an honour killing by the woman's family.
The court said that a prima facie case was made out and issued notice to the private respondent and granted two weeks to file a counter-affidavit.
Meanwhile, as an interim measure, the court granted the petitioners protection from arrest.
The court also explicitly ordered the woman's family members and relatives not to harm the petitioners, enter their matrimonial home, or establish contact with them directly or through any electronic means.
The bench directed the Aligarh senior superintendent of police to ensure that no harm comes to the couple and posted the matter for hearing on April 8.
