Written question asked by Lord Hoyle (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 October 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 October 2017. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 October 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Yemen: Military Intervention

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have raised with Saudi Arabia the bombing of civilians in Yemen; and if so, what response they received.

Answer: We regularly raise the importance of compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with Saudi Arabia. The UK takes allegations of IHL violations extremely seriously; and we encourage the Saudi-led Coalition to ensure they are thoroughly investigated. Saudi Arabia has publicly stated that it is investigating reports of alleged violations of IHL, and that lessons will be acted upon. The Saudi-led Coalition has the best insight into its own military procedures and is able to conduct the most thorough and conclusive investigations. The Coalition Joint Incidents Assessment Team has since announced the findings of a total of 36 investigations with the most recent being released on 12 September 2017.

Secondary information