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Civilians bear brunt of widespread violations in Yemen: UN report

Xinhua, August 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

Since Yemen's civil war broke out in March 2015, 3,799 civilians have lost their lives and a further 6,711 were injured, a report published Thursday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) found.

"All sides are responsible, there was targeting of civilian objects protected by international law such as markets, wedding ceremonies, hospitals, and other facilities," said OHCHR's Middle East and North Africa Section chief Mohammad Ali Alnsour.

"The report covers the use of indiscriminate weapons, bombs, and cluster bombs in addition to landmines by parties to the conflict, as well as the recruitment of children for military operations," he added.

In many cases where potential military objectives were identified, casualties and damage to structures including residential buildings and other public and private infrastructure was found to be possibly excessive.

The report, which looks into violations of international humanitarian and human rights law between July 1, 2015 and June 30 this year, also warned that civilians had a lack of food, water and basic services such as medical care.

According to the report, at least 7.6 million people are currently malnourished in the war-torn country.

Some three million people have been displaced as a result of protracted fighting between pro-government forces and Houthi rebels.

"For us, all victims are equal. We think that the Office of the High Commissioner should remain the voice of the victims no matter who committed the violation," Alnsour reminded.

The report will be submitted to the Human Rights Council (HRC) at the HRC's 33rd session in September. Endit