The News
Saturday 07 of December 2024

Dutch, Allies Drop Call for Inquiry Into Yemen Rights Abuses 


In this April 13, 2017, file photo, Yemenis present documents in order to receive food rations provided by a local charity, in Sanaa, Yemen,photo: AP/Hani Mohammed, File
In this April 13, 2017, file photo, Yemenis present documents in order to receive food rations provided by a local charity, in Sanaa, Yemen,photo: AP/Hani Mohammed, File
A vote at the U.N. Human Rights Council is expected Friday

GENEVA – The Netherlands and several Western allies have dropped their call for an international Commission of Inquiry to monitor human rights violations in war-torn Yemen.

A revision to a Dutch- and Canadian-led resolution Thursday at the Human Rights Council signaled the diplomatic heft of Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations who have helped fight rebels in Yemen and oppose any such commission.

The United States, France and Britain, key arms suppliers to the Saudis, showed little appetite.


The revised draft says an “international eminent group of experts” should monitor the human rights situation in Yemen instead. A vote is expected Friday.

The retreat marks the Netherlands’ latest failed attempt at the U.N.-backed council to improve largely one-sided monitoring of a war that has killed over 10,000 civilians, many during coalition air strikes.