This updated briefing on the situation in Yemen is published as CAAT prepares to once again take the government to court over its illegal arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which have caused so much death and destruction in Yemen. CAAT’s legal challenge will be heard at the High Court from 31 January – 2nd February.
The war in Yemen has been raging for nearly eight years since the Saudi coalition’s bombing campaign began. The UN estimates that 377,000 people have been killed as a result of the war, through direct fighting, and due to the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war, one of the world’s worst. Saudi coalition bombings have killed nearly 9,000 civilians in directly targeted attacks, and have destroyed hospitals, schools, residential areas, food production and water facilities, and critical civilian infrastructure, greatly contributing to the humanitarian crisis. Despite a truce that lasted 6 months in 2022, and ongoing diplomatic efforts, there is little sign of a real peace deal in the prospect. Meanwhile, all parties to the war continue to commit serious abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.
UK arms sales have played a critical role in the war. The UK has supplied Saudi Arabia with combat aircraft, bombs, and missiles, and continues to provide crucial repair, maintenance, training, and support to the Saudi air force to enable it to continue the war. CAAT estimates that the UK has sold at least £25 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies since the war began.
These arms sales are in clear contradiction of the government’s arms export control criteria, and we believe we have a very strong case to bring to the Court to prove it.
