Thank you for contacting me about the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
I welcome the recent cessation of hostilities and the UN-led Yemini peace talks, which have started in Kuwait. Ministers encourage all parties to respect the ceasefire and are working closely with the UN to achieve this. A political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen. The UK is supporting the talks being held in Kuwait and the FS recently met the UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed to discuss the latest situation.
The UK is the fourth largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Yemen, having more than doubled our commitment to £85 million in 2015-16. The support has provided emergency shelter, healthcare, food and water to more than 1.3 million Yemenis. The Government is urging all parties to allow access for humanitarian and commercial shipping into Yemen's ports, as well as for the delivery of aid on the ground. I have been pleased to see improved access lately, and hope that this improvement is maintained and furthered.
The UK takes very seriously any allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and regularly raises the importance of compliance with the Saudi Government and other members of the military coalition. The UK Government has been clear that all allegations of such violations should be investigated.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
