VP/HR — Saudi attacks on Yemen

4.4.2017

Question for written answer E-002509-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Louis Aliot (ENF)

For some weeks, Saudi Arabia has been intensifying attacks on the Shiite Yemeni Houthis and exacerbating the crisis and famine which have taken hold in the country. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2015, 7 000 civilians have been killed and thousands injured. It has become an unprecedented humanitarian crisis: 60% of the population, i.e. 19 million people, are living without food security and depending on humanitarian aid which has difficulty reaching them. NGOs are finding it increasingly difficult to intervene in the area. Millions of people have been displaced, 3 million women and children are suffering from acute malnutrition and cholera has re-emerged in the country.

A UN report published in January 2017 implicates Saudi Arabia. ‘In eight of the ten investigations carried out, the experts found no proof that the airstrikes were targeting military objectives’, the UN Security Council wrote.

1. Given that Parliament has refused to hold a debate on the situation of the people being targeted, what position will the VP/HR take with regard to Saudi Arabia, which is bombing civilians?

2. Will the VP/HR intervene to facilitate the channelling of Humanitarian aid?