UN Security Council urged to 'intensify' action on Yemen

The UN Human Rights High Commissioner has urged the Security Council to step up diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing about a ceasefire and, ultimately, peace, in Yemen.

In a briefing to the chamber on Tuesday, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said that failure to act could have consequences that extend beyond the country's borders. "I urgently call on the council to expedite and intensify diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire and help create a framework for negotiating a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Yemen," he said.

Nine months of fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels has killed nearly 6,000 people, according to UN estimates.

The human rights chief said he was encouraged by recent UN-backed efforts aimed at resolving the crisis. Talks held last week in Switzerland ended without an agreement but the parties will return to the negotiating table in January.

Source :WAM