Saferworld welcomes call by UK parliamentarians to investigate violations in Yemen

A group of UK parliamentarians made a much-needed call today for an independent investigation into allegations of violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen.

Saferworld is encouraged by the UK International Development Committee’s (IDC) call on the UK Government to act responsibly in the context of the conflict in Yemen, not only by providing humanitarian relief, but by calling for an independent investigation into violations of international humanitarian law and stopping any enabling support to parties to the conflict.

There have been allegations of violations on all sides of this devastating conflict. It is essential that all parties to the conflict in Yemen adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law and that all alleged violations are independently investigated.

Saferworld’s Kate Nevens, Head of Middle East and North Africa, welcomed the report, saying:

“We share the committee’s concern over the failure of the UK Government to support calls for an independent investigation into violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen. We also refute the suggestion by Ministers that evidence of such violations provided by respected sources is not credible. It is striking that the UK Government has maintained this position while also supplying arms to the conflict parties in clear violation of UK, EU and international arms transfer controls.”

We furthermore welcome the IDC’s reference to the Commons Committees on Arms Export Controls (CAEC), which is also carrying out an inquiry on the use of UK-supplied arms in Yemen.  Saferworld calls upon the UK Government to suspend all arms transfers to Saudi where these arms might be used in the conflict in Yemen until such time as it is clear that there is no longer a risk that they might be used in violations of international humanitarian law.

A political solution to the conflict in Yemen is urgently needed. Supporting military action runs counter to this objective and has only led to death and destruction for the people of Yemen. It is time for the UK and others to make it clear that peace is now the priority above all else.

Read Saferworld’s submission to the International Development Committee inquiry on the Crisis in Yemen.

“We share the committee’s concern over the failure of the UK Government to support calls for an independent investigation into violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen. ”

Kate Nevens