I note with concern the comments of our Foreign, Defence, Trade and Development Secretaries in the Telegraph on Tuesday, 15 November; pledging to continue arms sales to Saudi Arabia despite the Committee on Arms Export Control calling for the suspension of sales pending the results of an independent United Nations-led inquiry.
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On 15 August, the MSF-run hospital in Abs, Yemen was hit by an airstrike. This was the fourth MSF operated medical facility in Yemen that was hit this year. The GPS coordinates of the hospital had been shared on several occasions with all parties to the conflict, including the Saudi-led coalition, and its location was well-known. At the moment of the strike, there were 23 patients in surgery, 25 in the maternity ward, 13 new-born babies and 12 children in paediatrics. The devastating consequences of the attack on Abs hospital resulted in the deaths of 14 patients and staff. If the death of patients and hospital staff as well as the destruction of a medical facility does not warrant an independent investigation, then what does?
Now more than ever, the United Kingdom needs a strong show of leadership and moral authority in implementing the agreements that protect our humanity. Agreements to which Her Majesty’s Government have already committed, namely and most recently the Security Council Resolution 2286 (May 2016) which protects healthcare workers and patients in times of conflict.
Vickie Hawkins
Executive Director MSF UAE