Lord Ahmed raises questions about human rights in Yemen

Britain's House of Lords member Lord Nazir Ahmed has raised a volley of questions in relation to human rights issues and current situation in Yemen and other countries.

He asked the government what assessment they have made of the BBC Newsnight report of September 10 that presented evidence of attacks on civilians in Yemen.

The government said that they were aware of reports of alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Yemen by all sides to the conflict and takes these very seriously, The Nation has reported.

It said, "We have raised our concerns with the Saudi Arabian government and have received repeated assurances of IHL compliance and continue to engage with them on those assurances. We have also raised our concerns with the Houthis on the importance of compliance with IHL and international human rights law. A political solution is the best way to bring long term stability to Yemen and avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. The UK fully and actively supports the UN's efforts to achieve an end to the conflict".

Lord Ahmed asked the government whether they have made any assessment of the intervention by Saudi Arabia in Yemen, and whether they are aware of any war crimes committed in relation to that intervention.

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park replied that the UK is supportive of the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition military intervention, which came at the request of 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.

Lord Ahmed also asked the Government whether they are supporting any peace initiatives between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Response from Baroness Evans of Bowes Park was; "A sustainable and inclusive political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.