CAAT Witness Statement

This witness statement is made by Ann Feltham, Campaign Against Arms Trade’s (CAAT) Parliamentary Co-ordinator.

It replies to further evidence submitted by the government in August 2016, including the witness statements of Peter Watkins, Neil Crompton and Edward Bell. It outlines CAAT’s assessment of the presence of a ‘clear risk’ under Criterion 2(c) and that in light of the continuing and credible reports of violations of IHL by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, it finds it difficult to understand how the government made the decision to continue to issue licences for the export of military equipment to Saudi Arabia.

It provides an update on the ongoing and serious violations of IHL in Yemen, referencing several incidents of alleged violations of IHL as well as the concerns raised by international organisations including OHCHR and UN representatives. It raises concerns on the lack of clarity in the information provided by the government on their responses to alleged violations by Saudi forces, including the little description on how reports of IHL violations are investigated.