On Thursday 30 November, the European Parliament urged High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to present an EU integrated strategy for Yemen urgently.
In a joint resolution from the ECR, ALDE, EFDD, S&D, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EPP Groups that was adopted by a very large majority (539 votes in favour, 13 against with 81 abstentions), the MEPs also call on Mogherini to work again for an initiative for peace in Yemen under the aegis of the United Nations, recognising the work already undertaken to facilitate the resumption of negotiations.
Stating that the deliberate targeting of civilians and civil infrastructure equates to a serious violation of international humanitarian law, the Parliament urges the international community to take measures for the perpetrators of the violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen to be brought to justice. The MEPs state that to reach a sustainable settlement of the conflict it is crucial to ensure that responsibility is established for all violations perpetrated.
Once again, the Parliament calls on the member states to adopt an arms embargo against Saudi Arabia, given the seriousness of the accusations that weigh on this country regarding the violation of international humanitarian law in Yemen.
The Parliament also urges all parties to the conflict to respond constructively to the efforts made for the resumption of negotiations, without imposing prior conditions. All parties to the conflict should urgently agree to put an end to the hostilities, as a first step in the resumption of peace talks under the aegis of the UN, the Parliament states.
Seriously concerned by the alarming deterioration of the humantarian situation in Yemen, and deploring the closure of ports, airports and land border posts by the coalition, the European Parliament urges the coalition to ensure the immediate resumption of activity in the ports of Hodeida and Saleef, and the opening of land borders for humanitarian aid and for channelling basic goods. The MEPs also want targeted sanctions for people hampering the channelling of humanitarian aid. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)