To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to review his Department's policy towards Saudi Arabia as a result of alleged war crimes in Yemen.
Answered on
16 October 2017
The UK supports the Saudi-led Coalition military intervention, which came at the request of legitimate President Hadi, to deter aggression by the Houthis, and allow for the return of the legitimate Yemeni government. We are aware of reports of alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and we take these very seriously. It is important that credible allegations of violations of IHL are investigated. We regularly press the need for the Saudi-led Coalition to conduct thorough and conclusive investigations into reports of alleged violations of IHL. Saudi Arabia has publicly stated that it is investigating reports of alleged violations of IHL, and that lessons will be acted upon. We welcome the reports issued by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team, including the 15 reports issued on 12 September (taking the total number to 36). We will continue to press the Saudi-led Coalition to demonstrate its commitment to IHL.