UN experts accused the Iran-backed Houthi group of recruiting children and using sexual violence and repression against women, stressing that the recently confiscated weapons and missiles have technical characteristics consistent with Iranian-made weapons.
The experts pointed out that violations of the UN arms embargo and the Houthi recruitment of children have continued for a year.
The experts submitted their 300-page annual report to the Security Council, stating that all military and paramilitary forces loyal to the Sanaa authorities violated the arms embargo.
Houthis continued "to source critical components for their weapon systems from companies in Europe and Asia, using a complex network of intermediaries to obscure the chain of custody."
The experts said evidence shows that weapons components and other military equipment "continue to be supplied overland to the Houthi forces by individuals and entities based in Oman."
In its final report, the panel stated that the Houthis continued their systematic campaign to ensure that the population adheres to their ideology, including through "summer camps and educational sessions for adults and children alike.
The experts denounced the use of child soldiers in the conflict and called on all parties "to refrain from using schools, summer camps and mosques to recruit children."
They accused Houthis of using the policy of intimidation and sexual violence against politically active women.
The panel said Houthis continued their aerial and maritime attacks on Saudi Arabia, with targets close to the border most at risk and usually attacked several times a week with a combination of unmanned drones and short-range artillery rockets.
In the Red Sea, the experts said, waterborne improvised explosive devices were used to attack commercial vessels at anchor in Saudi ports, in some cases more than 1,000 kilometers from Yemeni shores.
"It appears almost certain that those devices were launched from a `mothership,' which would have towed the devices for most of the journey," they said.
The experts stated that the purpose of these attacks was "primarily political."
"Most types of un-crewed aerial vehicles, waterborne improvised explosive devices, and short-range rockets are assembled in Houthi-controlled areas using locally available materials, as well as commercial components, such as engines and electronics, which are sourced from abroad using a complex network of intermediaries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia," the panel said.
The US Navy confiscated in February and May 2021 two shipments of weapons, including anti-tank guided missile launch containers, surface-to-air missiles, and various optical sights.
The report also accused the Houthis of using various methods to maintain their activities, mainly through violence, threat, or coercive practices, including collecting illegal fees and levies from high-income economic sectors, such as oil and telecommunications, confiscating assets funds of individuals and entities.
Houthis' widespread use of landmines poses a constant threat to civilians and contributes to displacement.
The report also said waterborne improvised explosive devices were being launched from Houthi-controlled areas with increasing frequency over the past year.
They called on all parties "to refrain from using schools, summer camps and mosques to recruit children." They recommended imposing sanctions against those who do so.
The experts said they had identified a total of 1,406 children, aged 10 to 17, who had died on the battlefield in 2020 after being recruited by the Houthi.
