Committees

Crisis in Yemen inquiry launched

19 November 2015

The International Development Committee is holding an inquiry into the Government's response to the crisis in Yemen.

Scope of the inquiry

The International Development Committee invites written submissions on the following issues:

Humanitarian Response

  • Has DFID's humanitarian response to the Yemen crisis been effective, and does it have the right strategic priorities?
  • What more can be done to protect civilians?
  • What more can be done to improve Yemenis' access to humanitarian and commercial goods and to support the UN and other international organisations on the ground?

UK Government's Response

  • How effectively has DFID monitored and reviewed or redirected its spending in Yemen since its staff were withdrawn from the country?
  • How effectively is DFID working with other government departments, including the FCO and MoD, to coordinate the UK Government's response to the crisis and influence relevant organisations and countries?
  • How should DFID address long-term developmental issues in its humanitarian response in Yemen?

Written Submissions

The deadline for written submissions is 16 December 2015.

The Committee considers requests for reasonable adjustments to its usual arrangements for taking evidence and publishing material, to enhance access. Please contact indcom@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 1223.

Background

Yemen faces many challenges compounded by serious political crisis and conflict. Even before the crisis Yemen was the poorest country in the Middle East with poor human development indicators and rapid population growth. The conflict escalated in March leading to large scale internal displacement and hunger, with more than 80% of the population needing humanitarian assistance.

Ports have effectively been blockaded. Over twelve million Yemenis, half the population, do not have enough to eat and half a million Yemen children face severe malnutrition. Women and girls suffer severe discrimination. Yemen is now one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

Further information

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