UN adds Saudi coalition to blacklist for killing children in Yemen
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon slammed the Saudi Arabia-led coalition fighting in Yemen for killing and maiming children by adding it to an annual blacklist of states and armed groups that violate children's rights during conflict.
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The coalition was responsible for 60% of child deaths and injuries last year, killing 510 and wounding 667, according to Ban's report released on June 2, which also said the coalition carried out half the attacks on schools and hospitals.
The Saudi-led coalition began a military campaign in Yemen in March last year with the aim of preventing Iran-allied Houthi rebels and forces loyal to Yemen's ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh from taking control of the country.
"Grave violations against children increased dramatically as a result of the escalating conflict," Ban said in the report.
"In Yemen, owing to the very large number of violations attributed to the two parties, the Houthis/Ansar Allah and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition are listed for killing and maiming and attacks on schools and hospitals," he said.
The Houthis, Yemen government forces and pro-government militia have been on the UN blacklist for at least five years and are considered "persistent perpetrators." Also appearing again on the list is al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
