Local Editor

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights [OHCHR] announced on Friday that the number of civilian casualties in the Yemen conflict tops 1,000 whereby at least 1,037 civilians have been killed between 26 March and 20 May, while at least another 2,453 civilians have been injured.

The OHCHR also said that among the 1,037 civilians were 130 women and 234 children who were killed.

The United Nations [UN] human rights office urged all parties to adhere strictly to their obligations under international law and do all in their power to protect civilians.

Cécile Pouilly, OHCHR spokesperson told reporters in the Swiss city of Geneva that, "There has also been massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly in Aden and Sada’a". 

Pouilly said that while the five-day humanitarian "ceasefire" between 12 May and 17 May provided some respite, millions remain in need of humanitarian assistance.

Following the "ceasefire", violence resumed in Yemen, including airstrikes in Aden, Ibb, Sada’a, Dhale, and Sana’a. 

She also drew attention to the situation in prisons and rehabilitation facilities in Yemen.

"Many such facilities have been affected by airstrikes or by armed clashes. More than 4,000 inmates have fled while several have been killed or injured," she said.

"The general shortage of food and fuel means that prisoners lack access to sufficient food, electricity, water, proper sanitation facilities and necessary healthcare," Pouilly said.

The UN also said that, "There has reportedly been an outbreak of diseases such as scabies and mycosis", adding that, "Shortage of fuel has meant that waste management has been severely affected".