A boy in Yemen.

It's been three years since the war in Yemen began, the UK government must do more

Today marks three years of war in Yemen. Britain continues to play a vital role in helping to create the 'world's worst man-made humanitarian crisis of our time'.

The UK, as a close ally, arms exporter and UN-lead on Yemen, bears a heavy responsibility for supporting and arming the Saudi government and its allies. 

Children are suffering.   

“As the war in Yemen shows no signs of easing, the uk now, more than ever, must do everything it can to help save the lives of children caught up in this man-made tragedy” Hannah Stoddart, Director of Advocacy and Communications 

The UK Government states that the country's close relationship with Saudi Arabia allow it a degree of influence on human rights. 

In the wake of a new trade deal with Saudi Arabia for £10bn worth of weapons that could be used in the conflict in Yemen, this 'influence' seems to be glaringly absent. 

A boy in Yemen standing in front of a destroyed building.

5,000 children have been killed or injured in the fighting since the war began—an average of five children every day. 

All sides involved in the war have been accused of breaking humanitarian law. 

The Saudi-led coalition, on which the UK has the power to exert influence, has been accused of a variety of war crimes. 

Human Rights Watch has documented six types of widely banned cluster munitions and 85 unlawful airstrikes: 1,000 civilians have been killed; homes, markets, hospitals, schools, and mosques have been hit. 

More than 11 million children are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. 

Around three million have been born into war, knowing nothing else. 

Houthi forces, government and pro-government forces, and other armed groups have used child soldiers, who make up an estimated one-third of the fighters in Yemen. 

The Saudi-led coalition has restricted ports. Food and aid can't reach those in need, making the situation worse. The United Nations Security Council has called for these ports to be reopened.  

The British Government must do more.