A child looking at a destroyed home in Yemen.

Norway suspends arms sales amid war in Yemen

The growing humanitarian crisis in Yemen has led Norway to suspend arms exports to the United Arab Emirates.

The Saudi-led coalition, which the UAE is a part of, has been fighting the Houthis in Yemen for the past three years. 

Since then, children’s lives have been torn apart by the indiscriminate bombing from both sides. 

More than 5,000 civilians have been killed. 

Many face daily challenges to access food, education and basic healthcare—with concern that famine will be officially declared imminently. 

Our #StopArmingSaudi campaign—where we've recently created a t-shirt with Vivienne Westwood to raise awareness—urges the UK Government to use its alliance with Saudi Arabia to demand compliance with international humanitarian law and withdraw from arms sales to the nation. 

"War Child welcomes the decision by Norway to suspend arms sales to the UAE," Rocco Blume, Conflict and Humanitarian Adviser for War Child UK, says. 

"This international display of leadership further highlights the shameful relationship that Britain has with Saudi Arabia—firmly placing politics and power ahead of people. 

"While the British government has missed its opportunity to be a leader here, I urge Mrs May and her team to reconsider their position on selling arms to Saudi Arabia and act now.  

"Norway has forged a path and presents a great opportunity for other nations to stand alongside and bring the terrible human suffering to an end. 

“While War Child has been calling on the UK to suspend arms sales in relation to the conflict in Yemen, thousands have died and millions more are at risk of starvation. 

"Where children continue to bear the brunt of political posturing the UK must act and demand for the blockade of Yemen’s ports and airports to be lifted. 

"Actions speak louder than words and I urge the UK to follow Norway’s example and take the effective action of withholding arms to Saudi Arabia.”

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