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UNITED NATIONS officials warned today that war crimes may have been committed “by all sides” in Yemen in their first report into the three-year conflict.
Human rights experts warned that the blockade of Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition forces which prevented food and medical aid from the country may constitute a war crime.
They are due to present their report to the UN Human Rights Council next month, with the initial findings suggesting that little effort has been made by either the invading coalition or Houthi forces to minimise civilian casualties.
The damning 41-page report details abuses including rape, torture and disappearances and “deprivation of the right to life” during the deadly conflict which began in 2015 after President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi was ousted by Houthi forces.
According to the UN, coalition air strikes — backed by Britain and the US — have led to 10,000 deaths, two-thirds of them civilians, and the destruction of schools, hospitals and infrastructure.
The report called on the international community to “refrain from providing arms that could be used in the conflict.”
Last year a British court ruled against suspending arms exports control licences. The UN report is likely to be used in an appeal.
