www.parliament.uk/commons-library | intranet.parliament.uk/commons-library | papers@parliament.uk | @commonslibrary

DEBATE PACK

Number CDP - 2016/0032 | 1 February 2016

Conflict in Yemen

Tim Robinson Subject specialist: Ben Smith

Backbench Business Committee Debate

Chamber

4 February 2016

Initiated by Kirsten Oswald, Flick Drummond, Keith Vaz, Edward Argar and Steven Paterson

Map courtesy of University of Texas

The proceeding of this debate may be viewed on parliamentlive.tv

Contents 1. Summary 2

2. Press Articles 3

3. Gov.uk 5

4. PQs 7

5. Debates 28

6. Early Day Motions 32

7. Petition 35

8. Further reading 37

The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates. Debate Packs are produced quickly after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefing can be prepared for Members on request to the Library.

2 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

1. Summary President Ali Abdallah Saleh had been in power since 1978, an experience that he famously likened to “dancing on the heads of snakes.”

As the position of Saleh became increasingly precarious, Saudi Arabia was one of the leaders in brokering a deal for a transition. The deal, backed by the UN, involved a transfer of power to Saleh’s deputy, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, which finally took place in November 2011 after months of deadly clashes between protesters and the security forces.

The transfer of power to Hadi appeared to be having some success in establishing stability, but the Yemeni armed forces remained sharply divided after the defection in March 2011 of General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar from the government to the uprising. The manoeuvrings of tribal forces were behind many clashes between different parts of the official armed forces. Throughout 2012 and 2013 Hadi continued to struggle with the various challenges to central authority including the Houthis and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

More broadly, the 2011 ‘revolution’ did not lead to a thorough change in the leadership of the country. Huge economic and social problems continued to afflict the population and Hadi was seen by many Yemenis as ineffective.

In September 2014, Houthi armed forces took control of the capital Sana’a, culminating a simmering and often violent dispute over the drafting of a new constitution, which was plagued by disagreements, particularly over its crucial decentralisation clauses.

Sunni governments in the region saw Iranian interference in the success of the Houthis (although it probably had at least as much to do with support from elements loyal to the old president, Ali Abdallah Saleh).

In March 2015, Saudi Arabia lead a coalition of nine Arab states in imposing a naval blockade on Yemen and bombing Houthi positions. The air operation has caused a lot of destruction and killed many civilians but has not decisively reversed gains made by the Houthis. In January 2016 the UN said that nearly 2,800 civilians had been killed.

The blockade has sharply worsened Yemen’s already very fragile humanitarian situation. The UN warned in December 2015 that Yemen is on the edge of famine, with the worst affected being the 1.3 million internally displaced. As many as 14 million Yemenis are thought to be food insecure and nearly 8 million are in desperate need. The WFP blames both sides for impeding the distribution of vital food aid.

Conflict in Yemen 3

2. Press Articles The following is a small selection of recent press and media articles relevant to this debate. Please note: the Library is not responsible for either the views or accuracy of external content. Al Jazeera Coalition battling rebels in Yemen to probe abuses 31 January 2016 The Guardian UN report into Saudi-led strikes in Yemen raises questions over UK role Ewen MacAskill 27 January 2016 Huffington Post How Children are Forced to the Front Lines of Yemen's War Charlotte Alfred 23 January 2016 Al Monitor How long can Saudi Arabia afford Yemen war? Amal Nasser 21 January 2016 The Independent David Cameron accused of silently taking Britain into Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen Jon Stone 20 January 2016 Voice of America Yemen Children Face Wasteland of Death, Destruction Lisa Schlein 12 January 2016 Al Monitor Oman, stuck between Saudi Arabia and Iran Giorgio Cafiero 10 January 2016 Brookings (Markaz Blog) Could the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen be fracturing? Sultan Barakat 29 December 2015 Daily Telegraph Britain told to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia Louisa Loveluck 17 December 2015

4 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

Amnesty International (News) UK Government breaking the law supplying arms to Saudi Arabia, say leading lawyers 17 December 2015 The Wall Street Journal Is Al Qaeda Winning in Saudi-Iran Proxy War in Yemen? Yaroslav Trofimov 10 September 2015

Conflict in Yemen 5

3. Gov.uk

PM’s call with King of Saudi Arabia Prime Minister’s Office 27 January 2016 A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister called King Salman of Saudi Arabia this evening to discuss plans for the Syria donors conference, taking place in London on 4 February. The call also covered Yemen.

The Prime Minister congratulated the King on the first anniversary of his accession to the throne.

Both leaders agreed the Syria donors conference would be an important opportunity to boost support to refugees in the region, including through significant additional funding. Agreeing to work together to make the conference the greatest possible success, the King promised high-level attendance from Saudi Arabia.

On Yemen, the Prime Minister and King agreed on both the need for a political solution and for international humanitarian law to be respected at all times.”

Greening: new aid for Yemen Department for International Development 25 January 2016

A new £10 million emergency support package will provide much needed help for Yemenis caught in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, International Development Secretary Justine Greening has announced.

More than 21 million people in Yemen – equivalent to more than 80% of the population – are now in need of humanitarian aid, with the conflict having disrupted the delivery of essential food, fuel and medical supplies to those most in need, putting millions of lives at risk.

The UK has more than doubled its life-saving humanitarian assistance to Yemen over the last year, with new funding bringing the total to £85 million for 2015/16.

The new aid, which will go to UN and NGO delivery partners on the ground, will include:

• critical medical supplies and rehabilitation of health centres to improve the health of children – with 320,000 children suffering severe malnutrition •emergency food assistance and protection of livestock to help people facing critical food shortages, of whom there are now 7.6 million

6 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

• thermal blankets to keep displaced families warm during winter – as 2.5 million people have been displaced by fighting

• treatment for potentially fatal diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and malaria

• facilitation of essential commercial supplies entering Yemen by sea

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:

“As the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to worsen, we do not have a moment to lose in tackling the shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies that threaten millions of lives.

The UK is leading the way in responding to the crisis by committing an additional £10 million. So far our support has helped more than one million people, providing vital food, water, medical supplies, healthcare and emergency shelter.

Boosting our support will save even more lives but UK support alone cannot stem this crisis. I urge the international community to step up and do their bit to prevent a worsening disaster. We also urge all parties to engage in good faith in the peace talks, which are vital to achieving the sustainable political solution that Yemen desperately needs to resolve the crisis and improve the humanitarian situation.”

Foreign Office Minister welcomes progress of peace talks on Yemen Foreign and Commonwealth Office 21 December 2015

Minister for the Middle East, Tobias Ellwood, has welcomed the progress of UN facilitated peace talks for Yemen and the intention of President Hadi’s government to extend a ceasefire until 28 December. The talks were facilitated by the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and started on 15 December.

Mr Ellwood said:

“It is encouraging that positive progress has been made in the peace talks.

I spoke to President Hadi on Saturday and welcomed the intention of his government to extend the ceasefire until 28 December. I encourage all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire in order to improve access to urgent medical and humanitarian aid. The UK will continue our support for the UN-led political process and we are the fourth largest donor of aid, more than doubling our assistance to £75million over the last year.”

Conflict in Yemen 7

4. PQs Yemen 1 February 2016 | 24586 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of whether (a) cluster munitions have been used in the Yemen conflict and (b) there is a clear risk such munitions were dropped from British-made aircraft. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware of reports of the alleged use of Cluster Munitions by the Coalition in Yemen and we have raised this with the Saudi Arabian authorities. The UK does not supply cluster munitions to any members of the coalition in Yemen. In line with our obligations under the Convention on Cluster Munitions we continue to encourage Saudi Arabia, as a non-party to the Convention, to accede to it. Yemen (Prime Ministers Questions) 27 Jan 2016 | 605 c262 Asked by: Jeremy Corbyn We have not had any answers on Google or the bedroom tax, but I ask the Prime Minister this. Shortly before coming into the Chamber, I became aware of the final report of the United Nations panel of experts on Yemen, which has been sent to the Government. It makes very disturbing reading. The report says that the panel has documented that coalition forces have “conducted airstrikes targeting civilians and civilian objects, in violation of international humanitarian law, including camps for internally displaced persons and refugees…civilian residential areas; medical facilities; schools; mosques”. These are very disturbing reports. In the light of this, will the Prime Minister agree to launch immediately an inquiry and a full review into the arms export licences to Saudi Arabia and suspend those arms sales until that review has been concluded?

Answering member: David Cameron | Prime Minister As the right hon. Gentleman knows, we have the strictest rules for arms exports of almost any country anywhere in the world. Let me remind him that we are not a member of the Saudi-led coalition; we are not directly involved in the Saudi-led coalition’s operations; and British personnel are not involved in carrying out strikes. I will look at that report as I look at all other reports, but our arms exports are carefully controlled and we are backing the legitimate Government of the Yemen, not least because terrorist attacks planned in the Yemen would have a direct effect on people in our country. I refuse to run a foreign policy by press release, which is what he wants. I want a foreign policy that is in the interests of the British people.

8 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade 27 Jan 2016 | HL5160 Asked by: Lord Judd To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the legal opinion issued by Philippe Sands QC concerning alleged violation of national, European and international arms transfer control law by their continued authorisation of arms exports to Saudi Arabia, especially in the context of their alleged use in Yemen; and what action they are taking in this regard. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is aware of this legal opinion provided on instructions from certain non-governmental organisations. In accordance with long standing Government policy we do not disclose legal advice given or received, and it would not be appropriate to discuss any potential or ongoing litigation matters. The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent arms export control regimes in the world. All arms export licence applications are carefully assessed on a case by case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking into account all relevant information, to ensure compliance with our legal obligations, including under international law. A licence will not be issued for any country if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the mandatory Criteria. This includes the export of arms to Saudi Arabia.

Yemen: Military Intervention 1 February 2016 | 24114 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support an independent inquiry into alleged breaches of international humanitarian law in Yemen by the UN Human Rights Council. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK supported a UN Human Rights Council resolution in October 2015, which called on the UN to provide technical assistance to the Government of Yemen, assist the Yemeni National Independent Commission of Inquiry and report back to the next session of the Human Rights Council. It is for the Government of Yemen to decide how its domestic human rights monitoring mechanism should work and the UK welcomes Yemen’s commitment to cooperate with the UN on protection of human rights. The UK has also encouraged members of the Saudi-led coalition to investigate allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law, and for their investigations to be thorough and conclusive.

Conflict in Yemen 9

Yemen: Military Intervention 1 February 2016 | 24112 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of who is responsible for reported airstrikes that have (a) targeted and (b) hit as collateral damage (i) cultural heritage monuments, (ii) ancient heritage sites and (iii) museums in Yemen. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We remain concerned about the damage to cultural property in Yemen during the current conflict in Yemen. We do not routinely make assessments of responsibility for damage to cultural property in Yemen. Yemen and many members of the Saudi-led coalition are parties to the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict and to the 1972 World Heritage Convention. We have raised our concerns regarding protection of cultural property with both the government of Yemen and the Saudi Arabian government. A political solution is the best way to achieve long-term stability in Yemen and we remain fully and actively supportive of the UN’s efforts to bring an end to the conflict.

Yemen: Military Intervention 1 February 2016 | 24111 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral Answer of 12 January 2016, Official Report, column 697, on how many occasions the Government has used personnel who are present as a quick check when a report has been received of a potential breach of international humanitarian law in Yemen. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We have a very small number of staff working in Saudi headquarters in a liaison capacity only to provide insight into Saudi operations. These liaison officers are not involved in the targeting process – whether it be the selection, decision making or directing. They remain under UK command and control. The role of the liaison officers is to maintain an information flow with the Saudi authorities. When concerns are raised by non-governmental organisations, or in the media, liaison officers pass all available information back to the UK. This will help inform our assessment of compliance with international humanitarian law which is taken in Whitehall.

10 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

Iran: Saudi Arabia 28 Jan 2016 | 23905 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2016 to Question 22858, on the basis of the evidence seen by the Government, what assessment he has made of who was responsible for the damage to the Iranian Embassy in Sana'a. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office It is important to determine the facts of any incident. From current evidence we have seen, it does not appear that a Saudi airstrike hit the Iranian Embassy. We are continuing to work with all parties to de-escalate regional tensions. Yemen: Military Intervention 25 Jan 2016 | 23505 Asked by: Helen Goodman To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assistance British service personnel are providing to Saudi Arabian forces in Yemen. Answering Member: Penny Mordaunt | Ministry of Defence The UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have a long history of defence cooperation. As part of this long standing relationship, the RAF provides training and shares best practice to the Royal Saudi Air Force, including training on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) compliant targeting. In addition we have provided guidance and advice to the Saudis on their processes to ensure continued compliance with IHL. Finally the UK has deployed a small number of military personnel serving as Liaison Officers in Saudi headquarters. Their role is to build our relationship and provide insight into Saudi operations. Liaison Officers are not involved in directing or conducting operations in Yemen or selecting targets and are not involved in the Saudi targeting decision-making process. Yemen: Human Rights 21 Jan 2016 | 23647 Asked by: Diane Abbott To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2016 to Question 22275, what assessment his Department made of the risk that items might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law as defined in the Export Control Act 2002 and the EU Common position when making the decision to grant licences for the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia.

Conflict in Yemen 11

Answered by: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK Government takes its arms export responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking account of all relevant factors at the time of the application including International Humanitarian Law. The Government is satisfied that extant licences for Saudi Arabia are compliant with the UK’s export licensing criteria. Iran: Saudi Arabia 21 Jan 2016 | 22858 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 January 2016 to Question 21464, what progress his Department has made on looking into reports of Saudi Arabia bombing the Iranian Embassy in Sana'a; and if he will make a statement. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office From the evidence we have seen, it does not appear that a Saudi airstrike hit the Iranian Embassy in Sana’a. We continue to urge calm and are speaking with all sides to de-escalate tensions in regional affairs. Yemen (Prime Ministers Questions) 20 Jan 2016 | 604 c1411 Asked by: Angus Robertson World attention on the conflict in the middle east is focused on Syria and Iraq, and much less so on the catastrophe in Yemen, which has caused thousands of people to lose their lives and millions of people to flee their homes. Can the Prime Minister tell the House what the UK Government are doing to support peace in Yemen? Answering member: David Cameron | Prime Minister We are doing everything we can with all the people taking part in this conflict to encourage them to get round a negotiating table, as they have done recently, in order to bring about what is necessary in Yemen, which is a Government who can represent all of the people. We have got to make sure that both Sunni and Shi’a are properly represented in that country. That is the only way that we will meet our key national interest, which is to back a Government in Yemen who will drive the terrorists, including al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula—AQAP—out of Yemen, because they have been, and are, a direct threat to the citizens of Britain. Asked by: Angus Robertson Thousands of civilians have been killed in Yemen, including a large number by the Saudi air force, who have done that using British-built

12 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

planes with pilots who are trained by British instructors, and who are dropping British-made bombs and are co-ordinated by the Saudis in the presence of British military advisers. Is it not time for the Prime Minister to admit that Britain is effectively taking part in a war in Yemen that is costing thousands of civilian lives, and that he has not sought parliamentary approval to do that? Answering member: David Cameron | Prime Minister The right hon. Gentleman started in a serious place but then seriously wandered off. It is in our interest that we back the legitimate Government of Yemen, and it is right to do that. We have some of the most stringent arms control measures of any country anywhere in the world. Just to be absolutely clear about our role, we are not a member of a Saudi-led coalition. British military personnel are not directly involved in the Saudi-led coalition’s operations. Personnel are not involved in carrying out strikes, directing or conducting operations in Yemen, or selecting targets; and we are not involved in the Saudi targeting decision-making process; but do we provide training and advice and help in order to make sure that countries actually obey the norms of humanitarian law? Yes, we do. Yemen: Foreign Relations 20 Jan 2016 | 22185 Asked by: Ben Howlett To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Government's current strategy on Yemen; and if he will make a statement. Answering member: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK’s position remains that a political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen. We are in regular contact with all parties to the conflict, urging engagement in good faith and to take steps towards achieving a durable ceasefire and we fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen. The UK is the 4th largest donor to the crisis and has more than doubled its humanitarian commitment to Yemen over the last year to £75 million. UK aid has assisted at least 700,000 people directly affected by the conflict including vulnerable host communities, internally displaced people and migrants. We have provided critical support for healthcare, malnutrition, water and sanitation, protection and shelter. We have also continued to strengthen and protect local capacity and community assets from further shocks by providing agricultural and other livelihoods assistance. Yemen: Military Intervention 19 Jan 2016 | HL4850 Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Saudi Arabia about the repeated bombing of facilities of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Conflict in Yemen 13

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are in regular dialogue with the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding the conflict in Yemen. We are very concerned and saddened by an attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) centre in Yemen on 10 January and offer our condolences to the families of those affected. It is important to establish the cause of this incident. We welcome the public announcement by Saudi Arabia to establish a fact finding committee into the alleged airstrike on the MSF mobile clinic in Taiz on 2 December. It is important that Saudi Arabia conducts investigations into incidents which have raised concerns. We continue to call on all parties to the conflict to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law. Yemen: Peace Negotiations 19 Jan 2016 | HL4848 Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the ceasefire in Yemen has been extended beyond 28 December 2015. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Saudi Arabian-led Coalition formally announced the end of their ceasefire on 2 January citing numerous breaches and provocations by Houthi/Saleh forces, particularly along the border with Yemen. The UK fully supports the efforts of the UN to reconvene Yemeni parties in the coming weeks for further dialogue and to work towards a meaningful and sustainable ceasefire that is respected by all sides. Yemen: Military Intervention 19 Jan 2016 | 22276 Asked by: Martyn Day To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will (a) take steps to ensure that Saudi Arabia works for an immediate ceasefire in Yemen and (b) support the establishment of an international, independent, impartial mechanism to investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by all parties in that conflict. Answering member: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are urging all parties to the conflict to work towards resuming a meaningful and sustainable ceasefire that is respected by all sides. We are also doing all we can to support the UN to convene a further round of UN-facilitated peace talks over the coming weeks and firmly believe that a political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen. The Resolution on Yemen adopted at the Human Rights Council Session in September 2015 committed the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to work with the Government of Yemen to help them

14 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

investigate human rights abuses and violations. We urge the Government of Yemen to co-operate fully with this process. Yemen will remain on the Human Rights Council’s agenda: an oral report on developments will be given at the next session in March 2016 (31st session) and a written report will be presented to the Council in September 2016 (33rd session). Yemen: Human Rights 19 Jan 2016 | 22275 Asked by: Martyn Day To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to ensure that UK-made arms are not being used to commit human rights abuses in Yemen. Answering member: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Yemen. We continue to raise the importance of compliance with International Humanitarian Law with all sides to the conflict. The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent export control regimes in the world. All exports of arms and controlled military goods are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing, taking account of all relevant factors at the time of the application. Risks around human rights violations are a key part of our assessment against the Consolidated Criteria. A licence will not be issued, for any country, if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the mandatory Criteria. Yemen: Children 9 Jan 2016 | 22040 Asked by: Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to support the access of (a) all children in Yemen and (b) children displaced by the conflict in that country to high-quality education. Answering member: Desmond Swayne | Department for International Development UK humanitarian aid to Yemen is currently focused on urgent life-saving needs, in particular food, nutrition, health, water and sanitation. However, DFID has also supported education in Yemen through the Social Fund for Development (SFD). Since 2010, more than 240,000 children have attended schools supported by SFD. DFID support to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to rehabilitate two schools is also helping 3,500 refugee and Yemeni children to resume education. Yemen: Children 19 Jan 2016 | 22039

Conflict in Yemen 15

Asked by: Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what funding and other support her Department has given for UN agencies, non-governmental agencies and civil society to (a) identify children at risk of human rights violations in Yemen, (b) support the development and implementation of programmes to secure the release and rehabilitation of children associated with armed groups and (c) respond to other violations of children's rights in that country. Answering member: Desmond Swayne | Department for International Development The UK has more than doubled its humanitarian commitment to Yemen over the last year to £75 million for 2015/16. This includes funding for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Save the Children to raise awareness of child rights, monitor and support displaced children, and provide food, nutrition, water and sanitation to children. The UK continues to raise the importance of compliance with international law with all parties to the conflict, including urging against the recruitment and use of child soldiers. We are also supporting the UN’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire and end to the conflict. Yemen: Humanitarian Aid 19 Jan 2016 | 22038 Asked by: Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department has taken with the UN and others to establish a regular, scheduled UN-facilitated cargo flight service into Yemen. Answering member: Desmond Swayne | Department for International Development DFID has provided £1 million to the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) to establish a regular flight between Djibouti and Sana’a for the exclusive use of the humanitarian community. UNHAS has provided 88 flights since the crisis began, carrying 2,129 passengers and 8.6 metric tons of essential medical supplies. 14 UN agencies and 28 NGOs are now using the service. We are also working with UNHAS to establish other regular flight services to Yemen. Yemen: Armed Conflict 19 Jan 2016 | 22037 Asked by: Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the UN and other agencies on (a) encouraging the establishment of an international, independent and impartial mechanism to investigate allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Yemen and (b) applying pressure on parties to the conflict in Yemen to end the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

16 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

Answering member: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The consensual Resolution on Yemen adopted at the Human Rights Council Session in September 2015 expressed concern about the human rights situation and committed the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to work with the Government of Yemen to help them investigate human rights abuses and violations. We have urged the Government of Yemen to co-operate fully with this process. We are in regular contact with the Government of Yemen and the UN, including to raise our concerns regarding the impact the conflict is having on the lives of ordinary Yemenis. Yemen will remain on the Human Rights Council’s agenda: an oral report on developments will be given at the next session in March 2016 (31st session) and a written report will be presented to the Council in September 2016 (33rd session). The UK has regularly raised with the Saudi Arabian Government, the need to comply with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Yemen and we continue to engage with them on this. We have also raised our concerns with the Houthis on the importance of compliance with IHL. A political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen. The UK welcomes the UN facilitated talks and continue to urge parties to engage in a new round of talks. This will help create the conditions for the legitimate Government to protect human rights and ensure respect for IHL, including as through the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Saudi Arabia: Military Aid 19 Jan 2016 | 22031 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has received any reports of any potential breaches of international humanitarian law from UK personnel working with the Saudi military. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware of reports on alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Yemen by the Saudi Arabians and take these very seriously. The UK is not a partner to the Coalition and British military personnel are not directly involved in Coalition operations. The Ministry of Defence closely follows alleged IHL violations, using available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of IHL compliance in Yemen. We consider a range of information from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations. We are also offering advice and training to Saudi Arabia to demonstrate investigations best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with IHL. Yemen 18 Jan 2016 | 22190 Asked by: Ben Howlett

Conflict in Yemen 17

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's defence strategy is towards Yemen; and if he will make a statement. Answering member: Philip Dunne | Ministry of Defence The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting the legitimate Yemeni government in establishing a stable and secure Yemen and we continue to work with regional and international partners to tackle the threat posed by AQAP and Daesh in Yemen. Reaching a comprehensive peaceful solution to the current conflict is the top priority as a political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to the country. Yemen: Armed Conflict 13 Jan 2016 | 21528 Asked by: Rebecca Long Bailey To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assistance his Department provides for members of the Yemeni community in the UK to contact or find out information on relatives in Yemen affected by the civil war in that country. Answering member: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office For the past four years Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice has consistently advised against all travel to Yemen. We recommend that British nationals in Yemen leave immediately. In addition to ongoing fighting, there remains a very high threat of kidnap and unlawful detention from militia groups, armed tribes, criminals and terrorists. The operations of our Embassy in Sana’a have been suspended since February 2015, which makes it difficult to provide any assistance in country. The FCO would not usually be responsible for facilitating contact between family members in a conflict, but as far as we are aware telephone communication is still possible in some areas. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Topical Questions 12 Jan 2016 | 604 c697 Asked by: Hilary Benn All our thoughts are with those killed and injured in what the Foreign Secretary has just reported as a terrorist attack in Istanbul. The conflict in Yemen between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition has so far claimed over 7,000 lives and has created, in the words of the UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator, Johannes van der Klaauw, a “humanitarian catastrophe”, with more than 2.5 million people internally displaced and 7.5 million people without enough food. Last week, Sky News reported that six British personnel are advising the Saudis on targeting in connection with the conflict. Will the Foreign Secretary tell us exactly what assistance these individuals are giving, and, if it is related to targeting, whether they have reported any potential breaches of international humanitarian law? Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office

18 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. I cannot tell him whether it is six people, but we do have a military presence in Saudi Arabia, and we are working with the Saudi Arabians to ensure the following of correct procedures to avoid breaches of international humanitarian law—to ensure that target sets are correctly identified and processes correctly followed and that only legitimate military targets are struck. It is important that we ensure Saudi Arabia has that capability. We also use the personnel who are present as a quick check—it can only be a quick first check—when we receive reports, as we have recently, of breaches of international humanitarian law that would, for example, involve the deliberate striking of civilian targets. So far, in every case, our people on the ground have reported that there is no evidence of deliberate breaches of international humanitarian law. Asked by: Hilary Benn Last week, the Minister of State told the House that he wanted to see “genuine intelligence evidence”. However, we know that human rights organisations have already reported what they regard as potential breaches. For instance, a hospital supported by Médecins Sans Frontières in northern Yemen was hit by a missile recently, and another MSF hospital in Sadaa was destroyed last October. In the light of those reports, and given that the Government’s own policy is not to grant arms export licences if “there is a clear risk that the items might be used in the commission of a serious violation of IHL” —international humanitarian law—will the Foreign Secretary launch an immediate review of arms export licences for Saudi Arabia relating to the use of British-supplied weapons? Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We need to be careful here. The MSF hospital attack in Sadaa is still being investigated, but so far there is no evidence that it was hit by a missile, although it clearly came under attack. We are looking urgently at the situation on the ground. We have a very robust export licensing process. There is a series of questions against which any export licence application must be tested, and we apply it rigorously. When a conflict is under way, whether we are talking about Yemen today or Operation Protective Edge in Gaza in the summer of 2014, we take particular care to apply the criteria diligently. That is what has been done, and that is what will be done in relation to any future arms licensing applications that are received. Yemen: Military Intervention 12 Jan 2016 | 21585 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 January 2016 to Question 15523, what

Conflict in Yemen 19

assessment he has made of the credibility of assurances by Saudi Arabia that it is in compliance with international humanitarian law in the conflict with Yemen. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK’s support for military action is contingent on adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The Ministry of Defence monitors alleged IHL violations, using available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of IHL compliance in Yemen. We consider a range of information from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations. We keep compliance under constant review. We are also offering advice and training to Saudi Arabia to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with IHL. I raised the issue of compliance with IHL during my October visit to Saudi Arabia. We have also raised our concerns with the Houthis on the importance of compliance with IHL. Yemen: Military Intervention 12 Jan 2016 | 21584 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 January 2016 to Question 15523, what assessment he has made of whether incidents of alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen have been investigated fully by each party involved in that conflict. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK’s support for military action is contingent on adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The Ministry of Defence monitors alleged IHL violations, using available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of IHL compliance in Yemen. We consider a range of information from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations. We are also offering advice and training to Saudi Arabia to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with IHL. We are aware of reports on alleged violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Yemen by the Coalition and take these very seriously. We are also concerned by reports of alleged IHL violations by Houthi-Saleh and pro-government forces and again take these very seriously. The UK government has regularly raised with the Saudi Government the need to comply with IHL in Yemen and we continue to engage with them on this. I raised the issue of compliance with IHL during my October visit to Saudi Arabia. We have also raised our concerns with the Houthis on the importance of compliance with IHL. It is important that open and transparent investigations are conducted into all incidents where it is alleged that IHL has been breached. We welcome the public announcement by Saudi Arabia to establish a fact finding committee into the alleged airstrike on MSF mobile clinic in Taiz on 2 December. Iran: Saudi Arabia

20 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

12 Jan 2016 | 21464 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the international legal implications of reports of Saudi Arabia bombing the Iranian Embassy in Sana'a; and if he will make a statement. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are currently looking into unverified Iranian reports that a Saudi airstrike hit the Iranian Embassy in Sana’a. The Saudi government has denied that any such attack took place. The priority right now is for all parties to show restraint and responsibility in order to prevent the igniting of further hostilities. The British Government is urging all parties to show calm at this time and to work towards a de-escalation of growing tensions. Yemen: Military Intervention 12 Jan 2016 | 21463 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 January 2016 to Question 15523, when he last reviewed alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen. Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK keeps adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) under constant review. The Ministry of Defence monitors alleged IHL violations, using available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of IHL compliance in Yemen. We consider a range of information from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations. The UK government has regularly raised with the Saudi Government the need to comply with IHL in Yemen and we continue to engage with them on this. I raised the issue of compliance with IHL during my October visit to Saudi Arabia. We have also raised our concerns with the Houthis on the importance of compliance with IHL. It is important that open and transparent investigations are conducted into all incidents where it is alleged that IHL has been breached. We welcome the public announcement by Saudi Arabia to establish a fact finding committee into the alleged airstrike on MSF mobile clinic in Taiz on 2 December. Business of the House 07 Jan 2016 | 604 c446 Asked by: Tom Brake The Leader of the House will be aware of significant concerns that the UK might be in breach of international law for supplying the Saudis with weapons that are being used in Yemen. Has he any intelligence about when the Arms Export Controls Committee will be re-established? We

Conflict in Yemen 21

need that Select Committee to look at these issues and to ensure that the UK is not in breach of international law. Answered by: Chris Grayling | Leader of the House That Committee is effectively a conglomeration of four different Select Committees, which is free to meet whenever it wishes. Its decision to meet or not to meet is not a matter for the Government. It is a matter for the Chairs of those four Committees to come together, to constitute the Committee and to hold meetings. There is no reason why that cannot happen now. Yemen: Armed Conflict 06 Jan 2016 | HL4775 Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to help the combatants in Yemen to agree a ceasefire and to remove the external blockade, in particular of supplies. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK welcomes the positive progress made at UN-facilitated talks held between 15 and 20 December 2015 and the ceasefire that commenced on 15 December including the intention to extend this until 28 December. We fully support the UN’s efforts to return to an inclusive political process and strongly encourage all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire, which will allow urgent medical and humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The engagement of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood), our Ambassadors, and the UK Special Envoy to Yemen Sir Alan Duncan, with key Yemeni actors has supported this process. We are also providing financial support to the UN Special Envoy’s Office. As Yemenis are highly reliant on food and fuel imports for their basic needs (food, health, water, electricity), one of our top priorities is to help commercial shipping return to pre-conflict levels. We welcomed the Government of Yemen’s commitment in October to allow commercial ships access to Yemen. The number of ships has increased in recent weeks: over 50 ships have berthed in both October and November. However, commercial imports are still far below pre-crisis levels. We will continue to monitor this closely and are funding the new UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism along with the US, EU and Netherlands to speed up clearance processes. Yemen: Armed Conflict 04 Jan 2016 | 15523 Asked by: Hilary Benn To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 November 2015 to Question 14485, whether he has made an assessment of whether aerial bombing of Hayden Hospital in Yemen could represent a breach in international humanitarian law.

22 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

Answering member: Philip Hammond | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware of reports of alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Yemen by the Saudi Arabia-led Coalition - including in relation to an alleged airstrike against a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Sa’ada, which we take very seriously. I regularly review the situation with my own advisers and have discussed it on numerous occasions with my Saudi counterpart. Our judgement is that there is no evidence that IHL has been breached, but we shall continue to review the situation regularly. We have emphasised the importance of full compliance with IHL to the Saudi Government and other members of the military coalition. They have assured us of their commitment to comply with IHL. We continue to engage with them on those assurances and have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with IHL. We have also raised our concerns with the Houthis on the importance of compliance with IHL and international human rights law. We continue to urge all sides to the conflict to comply with IHL and to investigate incidents of alleged violations fully. Yemen: Military Intervention 30 Dec 2015 | HL4688 Asked by: Lord Ahmed To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk that UK weapons are being used to commit or facilitate a breach of international humanitarian law, in the light of reports of indiscriminate airstrikes in Yemen by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, including the destruction of schools and hospitals. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware of reports of alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen by the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition and take these very seriously. We have regularly raised with Saudi Arabia the need to comply with international humanitarian law in Yemen, and continue to engage with them on this. We have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with international humanitarian law. The UK is satisfied that we are not in breach of our international obligations. The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent export control regimes in the world. All exports of arms and controlled military goods are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking account of all relevant factors at the time of the application, to ensure compliance with our legal obligations. A licence will not be issued, for any country, if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the UK Licensing Criteria, including where we assess there is a clear risk that it might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Our export licensing system allows us to respond quickly to changed circumstances, with options to suspend or revoke licences if necessary.

Conflict in Yemen 23

Yemen: Military Intervention 30 Dec 2015 | HL4687 Asked by: Lord Ahmed To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the evidence concerning attacks by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen and the risk that a breach of international humanitarian or human rights law will be committed by that coalition. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to raise the importance of compliance with human rights law with all sides to the conflict. We are aware of reports on alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen by the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition and take these very seriously. We have regularly raised with Saudi Arabia the need to comply with international humanitarian law in Yemen, and continue to engage with them on this. We have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Defence monitors alleged international humanitarian law violations, using available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of international humanitarian law compliance in Yemen. We consider a range of evidence from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations. Yemen: Military Intervention

30 Dec 2015 | HL4686 Asked by: Lord Ahmed To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether the assurances by the government of Saudi Arabia that it is complying with international humanitarian law in its military intervention in Yemen suffice for the UK to meet its obligations under Article 6(3) of the Arms Trade Treaty. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK supports the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition military intervention, which came at the request of legitimate President Hadi. We have been clear with all parties that military action should be taken in accordance with international humanitarian law. We are aware of reports on alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen by the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition and take these very seriously. We have regularly raised with Saudi Arabia the need to comply with international humanitarian law in Yemen, and continue to engage with them on this. We have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Defence monitors alleged international humanitarian law violations, using available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of international humanitarian law compliance in Yemen. We consider a range of evidence from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international

24 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

non-governmental organisations. The UK is satisfied that we are not in breach of our international obligations. The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent export control regimes in the world. All exports of arms and controlled military goods to Saudi Arabia are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking account of all relevant information at the time of the application, to ensure compliance with our legal obligations. A licence will not be issued, for any country, if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the UK Licensing Criteria, including where we assess there is a clear risk that it might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Yemen: Military Intervention

30 Dec 2015 | HL4685 Asked by: Lord Ahmed To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the reliability of assurances from the government of Saudi Arabia that it is complying with international humanitarian law in the conflict in Yemen, in the light of Saudi Arabia's history regarding its obligations under international law. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware of reports on alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen by the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition and take these very seriously. We have regularly raised with Saudi Arabia the need to comply with international humanitarian law in Yemen, and continue to engage with them on this. We have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Defence monitors alleged international humanitarian law violations, using available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of international humanitarian law compliance in Yemen. We consider a range of evidence from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations. Yemen: Military Intervention

30 Dec 2015 | HL4684 Asked by: Lord Ahmed To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the analysis commissioned by Amnesty and Saferworld which concludes that the transfer of weapons capable of being used in the conflict in Yemen to Saudi Arabia constitutes a breach by the UK of its obligations under domestic and international law. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Conflict in Yemen 25

We are aware of reports on alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen by the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition and take these very seriously. We have regularly raised with Saudi Arabia the need to comply with international humanitarian law in Yemen, and continue to engage with them on this. We have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with international humanitarian law. The UK is satisfied that we are not in breach of our international obligations. The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent export control regimes in the world. All exports of arms and controlled military goods are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking account of all relevant information at the time of the application, to ensure compliance with our legal obligations. A licence will not be issued, for any country, if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the UK Licensing Criteria, including where we assess there is a clear risk that it might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Yemen: Armed Conflict

30 Dec 2015 | HL4651 Asked by: Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the situation in Yemen, and of claims that deliberate attacks on the Doctors Without Borders hospital have taken place in that country. Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware of reports of alleged airstrikes against a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Sa’ada and on an MSF unit in Taiz, which we take very seriously. We have emphasised the importance of full compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to the Saudi Arabian Government and other members of the coalition and they have assured us of their commitment to comply with IHL. We continue to engage with them on those assurances and have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with IHL. We welcome the recent public announcement by Saudi Arabia to establish a fact finding committee into the alleged airstrike on the MSF mobile clinic in Taiz. We have also raised our concerns with the Houthis on the importance of compliance with IHL and international human rights law. We continue to urge all sides to the conflict to comply with International Humanitarian Law and to investigate incidents of alleged violations fully. Military Aid: Counter-terrorism

22 Dec 2015 | 19976 Asked by: John Mann To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assistance he is providing to help defeat (a) Boko Haram in West and Central Africa, (b) al Shabab in Somalia and East Africa and (c) al Qaeda affiliates in Yemen.

26 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

Answering member: Mark Lancaster | Ministry of Defence The UK is increasing support to the Nigerian Forces in tackling the Boko Haram threat. We have a resident British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT) that has grown in size since the government announced last year that the UK would increase its support to Nigeria to combat Boko Haram. UK military personnel are working with US, French and Nigerian experts in an intelligence fusion cell in Abuja, and the Coordination and Liaison Cell in N’Djamena, Chad. The Defence Secretary has announced the additional deployment of a small team of experts who will work alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria to provide assistance in countering improvised explosive devices as well as medical training and advice. UK Defence is currently contributing to wider international efforts to achieve stability and security in Somalia and the wider East Africa region and defeat Al Shabaab. We are achieving this through supporting a range of UN and EU Missions to provide training, mentoring, and logistical support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and develop the Somali National Army. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) continues to pose a threat to both the UK and globally. We are committed to supporting the Yemeni government in establishing a stable and secure Yemen and we continue to work with regional and international partners to tackle the threat posed by AQAP and Daesh in the Yemen. Ongoing peace talks are the top priority as a political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to the country. Yemen: Military Intervention

18 Dec 2015 | 19547 Asked by: Margaret Ferrier To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the accuracy of reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch that a UK-produced bomb was used in an airstrike against a civilian factory in Yemen. Answering member: Penny Mordaunt | Ministry of Defence We are aware of the allegation that a ceramics factory in Sana'a Governorate was attacked on 23 September 2015 causing civilian casualties and are monitoring this alleged incident. In doing so, the Ministry of Defence is considering a range of evidence from Government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations. Our consideration of this allegation is on going. Yemen: Military Intervention

17 Dec 2015 | 19536 Asked by: Patrick Grady

Conflict in Yemen 27

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will issue a response to Early Day Motion 846, Use of explosive weapons and human rights violations in Yemen. Answering member: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware of reports on alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Yemen by the Coalition, including alleged airstrikes resulting in civilian, including child casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, and take these very seriously. We have regularly raised our concerns with the Saudi Arabian authorities and received assurances that they are complying with IHL. We continue to engage with Saudi Arabia on those assurances and have offered advice and training to demonstrate best practice and to help ensure continued compliance with IHL. We are also concerned by reports of alleged IHL violations by Houthi-Saleh and pro-government forces, including attacks on civilians in Aden and Taiz; intimidation of UN ships attempting to dock at Aden; the use of schools and hospitals for military purposes; the use of child soldiers; and the targeting of aid workers and restrictions on humanitarian access. We have also raised the importance of compliance with IHL with the Houthis. The UK operates one of the most rigorous and transparent export control regimes in the world. All exports of arms and controlled military goods to Saudi Arabia are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Licensing Criteria.

28 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

5. Debates Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia [Extract] 28 Jan 2016 | 605 cc426-436 Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab) (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State to make a statement on arms sales to Saudi Arabia in the light of the report of potential breaches of international humanitarian law in Yemen. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Tobias Ellwood): As the Prime Minister said yesterday, the Government take their arms export responsibilities very seriously and operate one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria, taking into account all relevant factors at the time of the application. A licence will not be issued for any country if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the mandatory criteria, including where we assess there is a clear risk that it might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law. All our arms exports to Saudi Arabia are scrutinised in detail through established processes and against the EU and national consolidated criteria. The Government are aware that UK-supplied defence equipment has been used in Yemen. We take very seriously any allegations of IHL violations and regularly raise the importance of compliance with the Saudi Government and other members of the military coalition, as I did when I visited Saudi Arabia on Monday. We have said that all allegations of IHL violations should be investigated. The Ministry of Defence monitors incidents of alleged IHL violations using the available information, which in turn informs our overall assessment of IHL compliance in Yemen. The Government are satisfied that extant licences for Saudi Arabia are compliant with the UK’s export licensing criteria. As the House knows, the situation in Yemen is complex and difficult. The UK supports politically the Saudi-led coalition intervention, which came at the request of the legitimate President Hadi, to deter aggression by the Houthis and forces loyal to the former President Saleh and allow for the return of the legitimate Yemeni Government. We have been clear with all parties that military action should be taken in accordance with IHL. The coalition has played a crucial role in reversing the military advance of the Houthis and forces loyal to the former President, which is now helping create the conditions for the return of the legitimate Yemeni Government. The military gains of the coalition and the Yemeni Government must now be used to drive forward the political process. The UN-facilitated

Conflict in Yemen 29

political talks are the UK’s top priority, and they are likely to recommence in February. Hilary Benn: I thank the Minister for his reply. As the House knows, there is a humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen as a result of the civil war, in which more than 7,000 people have been killed, 2.5 million displaced, and millions more left without food. We all want to see the return of a legitimate Government to Yemen, but non-governmental organisations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have reported serious potential breaches of international humanitarian law by all sides, and the UN has spoken out about what is happening. Yesterday, it came to light that the final report of the UN panel of experts has “documented that the coalition had conducted airstrikes targeting civilians and civilian objects, in violation of international humanitarian law.” It refers to weddings, civilian vehicles, residential areas, schools, mosques, markets and factories. I understand that the Government received the report on Monday. Will the Minister set out what specific action, if any, has been taken since receiving it? The panel documented 119 coalition sorties relating to violations of international humanitarian law, and we know that UK armaments and planes sold to Saudi Arabia are legitimately being used in this conflict. However, our arms export licensing criteria state clearly that “the Government will...not grant a licence if there is a clear risk that the items might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.” Will the Minister explain how many of these incidents have been examined, and why he is satisfied that IHL has not been breached? How many of the 119 Saudi-led coalition sorties have the British personnel on the ground provided a “quick check” on given that the Foreign Secretary told the House that “our people on the ground have reported that there is no evidence of deliberate breaches of international humanitarian law.”— [Official Report, 12 January 2016; Vol. 604, c. 697.] Can the Minister explain how he squares that statement with the conclusion of the UN panel of experts? Will the Minister assure the House that he has not received reports from our personnel of any breaches of international humanitarian law and not just “deliberate” breaches? Given all the reports, particularly the findings of the new UN panel, will the Minister explain on what grounds he thinks that there should not be a proper investigation into whether there is a clear risk that British items

30 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law? Given the detail of the UN panel’s report and the extreme seriousness of its findings, will the Government now suspend arms sales to Saudi Arabia until that investigation concludes? This is about whether the Government are implementing their own arms control rules. Appearing to be reluctant to do so does them no credit nor does it help those who are affected by this conflict, which urgently needs to come to an end. Mr Ellwood: First, I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the tone and manner in which he has raised these very important issues. He was absolutely right to start by outlining the humanitarian catastrophe that we face, with so many people failing to get the food and water necessary to survive. Unfortunately, NGOs are prevented by the conflict from getting to the very areas they need to reach. Sadly, however, we have also seen the Houthis using food—denying it to people—as a weapon of war. Not only have they taken away trucks from NGOs and UN organisations, but they have taken away the trucks that Saudi Arabia has provided. The kit, trucks, food and water have all been stolen by the Houthis and distributed by them to favour their supporters in a country that—we should understand this—is extremely complex. Even the concept of the nation state is very modern in a country that, for thousands of years, has been conducted as a tribal society, where loyalty is to the family, the community and the tribe. The right hon. Gentleman mentioned potential breaches. I am pleased that he used the words “alleged” and “potential”, because it is important that this is evidence-based: we need to see the evidence and the details to make firm judgments, rather than rely on hearsay or, indeed, photographs. That is what we should do to understand such a dynamic situation, in which asymmetric warfare is being used. We are aware that the Houthis, who are very media-savvy in such a situation, are using their own artillery pieces deliberately, targeting individual areas where the people are not loyal to them, to give the impression that there have been air attacks. That is not to exonerate Saudi Arabia from any of the mistakes it might have made, but it is why it is so important to have a thorough process to investigate absolutely every single incident. During my visit this week, I made it very clear that while we now have a process to be followed in Saudi Arabia—as in Kunduz, and in countries such as Afghanistan—it must be improved: every time an alleged incident is put forward by an NGO or another country, Saudi Arabia must conduct the necessary process to confirm exactly what happened and whether its aircraft were involved. If the Saudi Arabians were involved, they must put up their hands and follow the due processes of international law. The right hon. Gentleman referred to the report by the UN panel of experts. He has a copy of it, and so do I. However, it is the leaked report. It was received by the UN on Monday, but not given to us. We have not officially received the report. [Interruption.] Yes, of course I have got it, but I have not received it or had time—[Interruption.] The hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) should hang on for a moment.

Conflict in Yemen 31

I have not received it officially, and it is important to have a chance to digest it. From what I have read of the report, I can say that I take it extremely seriously, as we absolutely must. I commit myself to inviting the Saudi Arabians to sit down with us at a very senior level. There are two opportunities to do so next week: first, in Rome, where the counter-Daesh coalition will meet; and secondly, in London, where, as the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, we are hosting the Syria conference. We will sit down and discuss with them the allegations and all the information in this important report. We should however recognise, as I know from having been able to glance at the report, that the people who wrote it did not visit Yemen. They did not actually go there, but based the report on satellite technology. That does not mean that we should dismiss it; we are taking it very seriously, and I commit myself to sitting down with the Saudi Arabians to go through it with a fine-toothed comb. I just make it very clear, however, that we must do so in a methodical way, on the basis of the evidence and following the process itself. The right hon. Gentleman spoke about the number of sorties that have taken place. Yes, there are questions about many of the sorties, but we must understand that thousands of sorties are taking place and we must put the questions about those sorties in that context. As the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have said, it is clear that we are not part of this coalition—we are not in the targeting cell—but it is important, because of the equipment we are selling to Saudi Arabia, that we make sure due process is followed absolutely. Arms Sales: Saudi Arabia 28 Jan 2016 | House of Lords | 768 cc1445-1449 Middle East 30 Nov 2015 | 603 cc46-125 Yemen 22 Oct 2015 | 600 cc460-447WH Yemen 24 Feb 2015 | 593 cc92-65WH

32 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

6. Early Day Motions DEATH OF ALMIGDAD MOJALLI INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST IN YEMEN Keith Vaz EDM 994 (session 2015-16) 21 January 2016 That this House is dismayed by the recent death of Yemeni journalist, Almigdad Mojalli, on 17 January 2016 in Yemen; acknowledges the bravery of Almigdad Mojalli in continuing to provide coverage of the conflict in Yemen for international news organisations, including newspapers based in the UK; notes that more than 5,600 people are reported to have been killed in Yemen's conflict to date, and over 26,000 more have been injured; urges the Government to take appropriate steps to bring an end to this conflict; and further urges all parties to offer greater protection to international aid workers, journalists and other civilians. MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRS HOSPITAL ATTACKS Keith Vaz EDM 955 (session 2015-16) 13 January 2016 That this House extends its condolences to people harmed in the attack on the Médecins Sans Frontières Hospital in northern Yemen on 10 January 2016; notes that this is the third attack in the last three months on a Médecins Sans Frontières Hospital in Yemen; further notes that the UN peace negotiations for Yemen have been delayed until at least 20 January 2016; and calls on the Government to assist the negotiations and bring an end to this conflict. SITUATION OF CHILDREN IN YEMEN George Kerevan EDM 900 (session 2015-16) 17 December 2015 That this House is concerned by the dreadful situation currently faced by 9.9 million children in Yemen, a war-torn country with the highest number of people in humanitarian need in the world; notes with concern that since March 2015 over 5,700 civilians have been killed, including more than 630 children, following the intensive and daily airstrikes by Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces and ground attacks by the Houthis and other non-state armed groups; further notes that due to the destruction or the damage caused to health and other public facilities thousands of children are also put at risk of dying from treatable diseases and acute malnutrition, and can no longer access their schools; condemns the remaining significant obstacles to the flow of essential goods, including fuel, food and medical supplies into Yemen and to their distribution within the country because of the insecure environment, and the restriction of humanitarian access to some areas

Conflict in Yemen 33

which contributes to further reinforcing the dire humanitarian situation; joins the UN and the ICRC in the condemnation of disregard for human life and in calling for attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructures to stop; and calls on the Government to pursue and increase its efforts in encouraging the launch of a peace talk process in the country. ASSASSINATION OF THE GOVERNOR OF ADEN, YEMEN Keith Vaz EDM 849 (session 2015-16) 10 December 2015 That this House is dismayed by the recent assassination of the Governor of Aden, Yemen, Jaafar Mohammed Saad, by Daesh; is deeply concerned by the growing strength of Daesh in Yemen, which has announced its intention to continue assassinating political figures and bombing mosques and other civilian areas; notes that President Hadi will now take responsibility of governing Aden, which continues to suffer considerable violence and unrest; further notes that peace talks between the Hadi government and Houthi rebel group will take place on 15 December 2015 in Switzerland; commends the UN envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, on bringing the parties together for these talks; and calls on the Government to make all possible diplomatic efforts to ensure that these peace talks lead to a ceasefire, and a transition towards a long-term peaceful resolution of the conflict. USE OF EXPLOSIVE WEAPONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN YEMEN Patrick Grady EDM 846 (session 2015-16) 9 December 2015 That this House notes with concern the findings of the report by Save the Children, Nowhere Safe for Yemen's Children: the deadly impact of explosive weapons in Yemen, published in December 2015, including what the report calls mounting evidence that serious violations of international humanitarian law have been committed in Yemen; further notes that report highlights UN records showing that nearly three quarters of child deaths and injuries during the second quarter of 2015 were caused by air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition, and 18 per cent of child deaths and 17 per cent of child injuries were attributed to Houthi forces; notes that the report calls on all parties to immediately stop the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas in Yemen, and for other states not to sell or transfer arms to any party involved in the conflict; notes similar findings in a report by Amnesty International, Bombs fall from the sky day and night: Civilians under fire in northern Yemen, published in October 2015, which calls for independent, effective investigation of alleged human rights violations and for the suspension of transfers of certain arms; and calls on the Government to fully investigate any claims that weapons manufactured or sold in the UK to members of the Saudi-led coalition are being used to breach human rights in Yemen, and to take appropriate action to prevent this occurring.

34 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

UK ARMS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA Margaret Ferrier EDM 665 (session 2015-16) 5 November 2015 That this House believes that Saudi Arabia is ruled by one of the most repressive regimes in the world which does not allow freedom of expression or association; notes with concern the systematic human rights abuses that occur within Saudi Arabia, including the extensive use of the death penalty, the sentencing to death of individuals arrested as juveniles, the flogging of those who question the ruling regime, the lack of basic rights for women and immigrant workers, the repression of homosexuals and those who do not adhere to the state religion; views with alarm the actions of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen with the increasing number of civilian casualties and people displaced from their homes; further notes that the UK is a major supplier of military equipment to Saudi Arabia, and that such sales are given UK official and military support; and calls on the Government to end all military exports to, and military collaboration with Saudi Arabia. CONFLICT IN YEMEN (2) Keith Vaz EDM 641 (session 2015-16) 3 November 2015 That this House is deeply concerned by the continued conflict in Yemen, where fighting between multiple parties is exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis; is alarmed that 22 million people remain in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, including the need for food, water and medical supplies; notes that the urgent need for a ceasefire was the primary message in a recent report by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Yemen; and calls on the Government to follow its own calls for a ceasefire with additional support for the UN negotiating team and further humanitarian assistance. GOVERNMENT POLICY ON YEMEN Alison Thewliss EDM 580 (session 2015-16) 22 October 2015 That this House notes that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Yemen and advises those there to leave immediately due to the deteriorating military and humanitarian situation in that country; welcomes the comprehensive report produced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Yemen; calls on the Home Office to ensure that Yemeni nationals resident in the UK are not returned to this increasingly unsafe country; and calls on the Government to increase efforts to bring peace to Yemen.

Conflict in Yemen 35

7. Petition Humanitarian situation in Yemen 20 Jan 2016 | Petitions (Government responses) | House of Commons | 604 c15P

Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Tobias Ellwood): The situation in Yemen is of great concern to the UK Government. The UK is the fourth largest donor and has more than doubled its humanitarian commitment to Yemen over the last year. We have so far announced £75 million for the humanitarian response. The UK’s support is providing life-saving assistance such as medical supplies, water, food and emergency shelter, as well as supporting refugees and migrants. We have also continued to strengthen and protect local capacity and community assets from further shocks by providing agricultural and other livelihoods assistance. In addition, the UK was the first country to deploy humanitarian experts to Riyadh to work with the Saudi Arabian authorities on humanitarian issues and have offered practical advice on access for humanitarian supplies and commercial shipping to increase the amount of food and fuel entering the country. Since March 2011, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice has consistently advised against all travel to Yemen and for British nationals in Yemen to leave. The British embassy suspended operations on 11 February 2015 due to the deteriorating security situation. Visa and passport issuing is a Home Office policy, not a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) lead. The Home Office does not have plans to change the visa regime or application process for Yemeni citizens visiting the UK. Where British nationals have Yemeni friends or family members who wish to apply for UK visas, the FCO has provided information and advice on how to do this and the contact details for UK Visas and Immigration. Applicants in Yemen who wish to apply for a visit visa will need to travel to any visa application centre worldwide; applicants in non-visit categories can apply in Egypt, Jordan or the UAE. This must be done in person in order to submit biometric information and original passports. Whilst the British embassy remains closed, it will not be possible to apply for a British passport in Yemen; overseas British passport applications can be made in a neighbouring country of the prospective applicant’s choice. We understand that the Yemen Passport Office is functioning in Sana’a, therefore eligible individuals are able to apply for Yemeni travel documents that would allow them to travel out of Yemen to a neighbouring country and apply for a British visa or passport. The UK believes that a political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen, and we fully support the UN’s efforts towards a return to an inclusive political process. We welcome the positive progress made during UN-facilitated talks held in Switzerland between

36 Number CDP - 2016/0032, 1 February 2016

15 and 20 December 2015, which will provide a foundation for the next round of talks in the coming weeks. We are encouraging all Yemeni parties to engage without preconditions and in good faith in future talks to allow Yemen to move towards a sustainable peace and to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Conflict in Yemen 37

8. Further reading United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) 14 April 2015 Yemen – country of concern, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 12 March 2015 International Development Committee: Crisis in Yemen inquiry publications Letter to Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, concerning the Committees on Arms Exports Controls and the situation in Yemen, International Development Committee, 27 January 2016 Sarah Bollinger “Navigating Yemen to safe shores: prospects for national dialogue and reconciliation”, Oxford Research Group, April 2015 'Our kids are bombed': Schools under attack in Yemen, Amnesty International, 11 December 2015 Food Assistance in Yemen: It doesn't get any harder than this, World Food Programme, 10 December 2015 'Bombs fall from the sky day and night': Civilians under fire in northern Yemen, Amnesty International, October 2015 “British Aid and British Arms: A coherent approach to Yemen?” Oxfam GB Briefing Note, September 2015 Conflict in Yemen, Commons Library Debate Pack 2015/0077, 19 October 2015 Yemen at war, Commons Library Briefing paper CBP-7184, 18 May 2015 All-Party Parliamentary Group on Yemen Human Rights Watch: Yemen Amnesty international: Yemen Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders: Yemen

DEBATE PACK Number CDP - 2016/0032 1 February 2016

About the Library The House of Commons Library research service provides MPs and their staff with the impartial briefing and evidence base they need to do their work in scrutinising Government, proposing legislation, and supporting constituents.

As well as providing MPs with a confidential service we publish open briefing papers, which are available on the Parliament website.

Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in these publically available research briefings is correct at the time of publication. Readers should be aware however that briefings are not necessarily updated or otherwise amended to reflect subsequent changes.

If you have any comments on our briefings please email papers@parliament.uk. Authors are available to discuss the content of this briefing only with Members and their staff.

If you have any general questions about the work of the House of Commons you can email hcinfo@parliament.uk.

Disclaimer This information is provided to Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary duties. It is a general briefing only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice. The House of Commons or the author(s) shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, or for any loss or damage of any kind arising from its use, and may remove, vary or amend any information at any time without prior notice.

The House of Commons accepts no responsibility for any references or links to, or the content of, information maintained by third parties. This information is provided subject to the conditions of the Open Parliament Licence.