Today the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) announced that the number of reported fatalities in Yemen since 2015 has passed 100,000. This includes over 12,000 civilians killed in direct attacks, ACLED said.
Muhsin Siddiquey, Oxfam’s Country Director in Yemen, said:
“This is further proof of the mindless destruction and injustice of the war in Yemen. The true death toll is much higher when fatalities related to the lack of medicine, food and clean water are taken into account. It is civilians who are paying the highest price of this brutal conflict.
“This should act as a wake up call to all sides to agree to a nationwide ceasefire and to return to the negotiating table in order to reach a lasting peace. Arms exporting countries should stop fuelling the fighting by sending weapons to the warring parties.”
Oxfam Australia’s Programs Director Anthea Spinks said countries helping fuel the conflict through arms sales must put human lives above profit.
“We know that there is a real and present risk that arms sold by Australia to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia could be being used in Yemen in ways that could breach the rules of war and prolong the conflict,” Ms Spinks said.
“There is a concerning lack of transparency and accountability in Australia’s arms export system, which means we don’t know the extent of this country’s responsibility for this growing death toll.
“That’s why Australia must immediately halt arms sales to countries involved in the conflict in Yemen, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. We must also provide more humanitarian aid to provide support to those enduring this devastating conflict.”
