- Parliament is debating a motion calling for an independent investigation into violations of International Humanitarian Law in Yemen.
- UK has licensed over £3.3 billion worth of arms to Saudi forces since bombing of Yemen began last March.
- High Court to investigate legality of UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia next month, following an application by Campaign Against Arms Trade.
This afternoon the House of Commons is debating a backbench motion calling for an international investigation into breaches of International Humanitarian Law in Yemen.
The motion, which follows an application by Stephen Twigg MP and Chris White MP, says: “That this House notes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the impact of the conflict on civilians; condemns any breach of International Humanitarian Law; and calls for an urgent independent investigation into reports of breaches of International Humanitarian Law on both sides of the conflict.”
Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said:
The UK government has been complicit in the destruction of Yemen and the humanitarian catastrophe that has been forced upon the Yemeni people. Parliament must stand with those caught in the middle of the devastating conflict and support an international investigation into the human rights abuses that are taking place.
Since Saudi Arabia began bombing Yemen last March, the UK has licensed £3.3 billion worth of arms to the regime including:
- £2.2 billion worth of ML10 licences (Aircraft, helicopters, drones)
- £1.1 billion worth of ML4 licences (Grenades, bombs, missiles, countermeasures)
- £430,000 worth of ML6 licences (Armoured vehicles, tanks)
Andrew continued:
For any investigation to be credible then it must be independent. The government has relied on investigations and evidence provided by the Saudi-led coalition itself. This is a regime that has a proven contempt for human rights. If it cannot be trusted to hold free and fair elections then how can it be trusted to investigate itself for war crimes?
UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia are currently subject to a judicial review which will be heard in the High Court between 07-09 February, following an application by Campaign Against Arms Trade.. The claim calls on the Secretary of State for International Trade to suspend all extant licences and stop issuing further arms export licences to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen while he holds a full review into whether the exports are compatible with UK and EU legislation.
ENDS
For further information please contact Andrew at media(at)caat·org·uk or call 020 7281 0297 or 07990 673232.
