Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Yemen: Humanitarian Situation and Children’s Rights

09 May 2023 · 8 other contributors · 8,748 words

Opened by Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow North West

Responding minister: David Rutley

Foreign AffairsChildren & FamiliesNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Carol Monaghan raised concerns about yemen: humanitarian situation and children’s rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Humanitarian situation in Yemen described as a forgotten crisis with eight years of conflict leading to severe civilian suffering, especially for children.
  • More than 2 million malnourished children in Yemen, with 540,000 under five at risk of death due to severe hunger.
  • Over 2.5 million children not in school, with education disrupted by 2,500 damaged schools and increased risks for girls due to child marriage.

Key requests to Government

The UK Government needs to increase humanitarian aid and stop arming the Saudi-led coalition. The current ODA cut from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5% has reduced aid significantly; £214 million in 2020 dropped to £88 million this year, impacting children's futures negatively.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow North West

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is described as a 'forgotten crisis' with eight years of intense conflict, economic collapse, and social system breakdown leading to unimaginable suffering for civilians, particularly children. There are more than 2 million malnourished children, with 540,000 under five facing risk of death due to severe hunger. Basic healthcare, clean water, and sanitation are lacking; nearly half the health facilities are out of service or partially functioning. Education is severely disrupted: over 2,500 schools damaged, around 2.5 million children not in school, girls particularly impacted by child marriage.

Other contributors (8)
  • Alison Thewliss SNP Glasgow Cheethills

    The conflict in Yemen has persisted for eight years, impacting millions of people and leaving 2.7 million children out of school due to roadblocks and barriers preventing the movement of necessary supplies. The World Food Programme's needs-based plan is only 20% funded for May to October 2023, highlighting the urgent need for more funding to support aid efforts.

  • Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green

    Mr Charalambous highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where more than two thirds of the population require urgent assistance. He noted that over 350 children were killed last year alone due to acute malnutrition, displacement, disease, and psychological trauma caused by war. Mr Charalambous also mentioned Save the Children's report stating that there are over 11,000 verified cases of killing and maiming of children in Yemen. He pointed out critical issues such as widespread food insecurity affecting 2.2 million under-five-year-old children out of 3.4 million who suffer from acute malnutrition. Additionally, he highlighted the collapse of the health system with 46% of health facilities non-functional or partially functioning, along with educational challenges including 2.7 million school-age children being out of education and 1.5 million internally displaced.

  • Derek Twigg Lab Halton

    Highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for international dialogue to facilitate aid delivery. Acknowledges that UK is still arming Saudi-led coalition despite condemning similar actions by other nations.

  • Flick Drummond Lab Stoke-on-Trent North

    Points out that UN resolution 2216 demanded the withdrawal of Houthis and gave recognition to President Hadi's coalition. Expressed concern about the ongoing suffering of Yemenis due to localised fighting and crime, highlighting a tragic event in Sanaa where 78 people died in a crush at an aid distribution event. Noted the dire situation for women and girls, with only 670,000 out of 9.5 million school-age children being educated pre-conflict. Raised concerns about damaged or destroyed schools, lack of access to education, and ideological indoctrination of children in areas controlled by Ansar Allah. Mentioned price spikes in essential goods and movement restrictions on goods from Aden and Mukalla, calling for the release of prisoners and progress in negotiations for a unified central bank and currency. Emphasised the need for funds to secure the oil tanker FSO Safer.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the debate on Yemen and highlights over 30,000 violations of children's rights recorded last year by SAM for Rights and Liberties.

  • Kenny MacAskill SNP Glasgow North

    MacAskill condemned the UK and Scotland's role in supplying arms to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the production of laser-guided missiles at Glenrothes, Scotland. He acknowledged past support for Raytheon but emphasized the need to stop funding and supporting these weapons that cause death and misery in Yemen.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    Highlights Britain's arms sales to Saudi-led coalition earning eight times more than spent on aid to help civilians caught in the conflict.

  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall South

    Thanked Members for raising Yemen's issues, noting that people are now talking rather than fighting. Acknowledged the suffering of children and starving populations in Yemen, expressing hope for a safer place despite ongoing risks.

Government Response

David Rutley

The Minister thanked Members for their contributions and highlighted progress made since the truce was brokered by the UN in 2021, but noted disappointment at the Houthis refusing to extend the truce last October. He discussed humanitarian challenges faced by Yemeni people, including food insecurity affecting 17 million people and violations of women's rights under mahram law. The minister mentioned that Yemen is one of the most dangerous places for children due to high rates of child marriage and recruitment as child soldiers. He also addressed concerns about ODA targets, emphasizing that despite fiscal challenges, UK aid spending remains significant, with allocations helping provide food for at least 100,000 Yemenis every month and treating over 22,000 severely malnourished children annually. The minister reported on the Safer oil tanker fundraising efforts, noting a successful event which raised £8 million towards salvage operations. He also detailed UK's support through various programmes for food security, healthcare, education, and protection of women and children in Yemen.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy