Facilitate Aid Delivery
The Saudi-led air campaign that began on March 26, 2015, has killed at least 311 civilians, according to the World Health Organization. The coalition has conducted airstrikes in apparent violation of the laws of war, such as the March 30 attack on a displaced persons camp in Mazraq, northern Yemen, that struck a medical facility and a market.
Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, has unlawfully deployed forces in densely populated areas and used excessive force against peaceful protesters and journalists.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world, is rapidly deteriorating. International aid organizations have sought ongoing and timely clearances to bring in medical and other humanitarian supplies by air and sea. All parties to the conflict are required under the laws of war to facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to civilians in need.
By providing logistical and intelligence assistance to coalition forces, the United States may have become a party to the conflict, creating obligations under the laws of war.
“Whether or not the US is a party to the conflict, its close association with the coalition’s military campaign should provide a strong incentive for the Obama administration to take concrete steps to try to minimize the civilian toll of the war and ensure that alleged violations are promptly investigated,” Bolopion said.
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