Maldives defends Saudi Arabia over UN report on killing Yemen children
The Maldives mission in New York claimed that “the allegations levelled against the [Saudi-led] coalition were based not on first-hand observation by the officials of the United Nations, but regrettably, on reports by various other parties, including NGOs.”
11 Oct 2017, 9:00 AM
The Maldives has defended a Saudi-led coalition fighting rebels in Yemen after the kingdom was blacklisted by the UN for killing and injuring hundreds of children last year.
The military alliance was placed on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ “list of shame” for 683 child casualties and 38 verified incidents of attacks on schools and hospitals.
But in a statement Sunday, the Maldives mission in New York claimed that “the allegations levelled against the coalition were based not on first-hand observation by the officials of the United Nations, but regrettably, on reports by various other parties, including NGOs.”
The Maldives stressed “the need to verify information using the most objective methods, especially if the information were to use in public documents” and urged international organisations such as the UN and the European Union to “follow a rigorous process of verifying the information they use for policy purposes and in public documents.”
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
