UN draft resolution on Yemen calls for immediate ceasefire

A proposed UN resolution on Yemen is demanding an immediate ceasefire and a resumption in peace talks.

The draft Security Council resolution is based on a roadmap outlined by UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, despite President Abed-Raddo Mansour Hadi of Yemen's internationally-recognised government rejecting his proposals.

Britain's UN ambassador Matthew Rycroft said he expects to put forward the draft "in the coming days," adding: "We hope (Hadi) will now receive it, and engage on it in good faith".

All parties should "return to negotiations on the basis of the roadmap and in a spirit of compromise," he added.

The draft resolution also calls for investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and to hold those responsible to account.

The roadmap covered political and security issues in a bid to settle the 19-month civil war between Houthi rebels and Hadi's administration, which has claimed 10,000 lives.

UN diplomats have stressed that to end the war, both sides need to agree to power-sharing and a new government.

Britain worked with the US, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in drafting the resolution. The Saudis, who have led a military campaign against Houthi forces since March 2015, support the roadmap and are encouraging Hadi to accept it, the diplomats said, speaking to AP on condition of anonymity.

The draft resolution reiterates that "resuming Yemen's peaceful political transition to a democratically governed state ... should be guided by a new constitution and holding of parliamentary and presidential elections".

It also calls on all parties to take measures to protect civilians and civilian buildings and allow unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.

It is estimated 80 percent of Yemenis need humanitarian assistance, and more than 2 million are suffering from malnutrition.