German arms in the Yemen war: for a comprehensive arms embargo against the war coalition

Abstract

In view of the flagrant violation of international humanitarian law by the countries involved in the Yemen war, export moratoria of limited duration, such as the current German ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia until 30 March, are not sufficient. Because of the active participation of other countries in the air raids, the naval blockade in the Red Sea and the transfer of arms toYemeni militias, the German government must decide on a comprehensive arms embargo that is not limited in time against all countries of the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Sudan and Senegal are militarily directly involved in the Yemen war either through their participation in the air raids, the naval blockade or through the deployment of land forces. All of them therefore must not receive any military equipment from Germany until further notice. The German government has to revoke all export licences that have been granted for arms exports to these countries. The German government must adopt the European Parliament's demand that no more military equipment be supplied to Saudi Arabia, expand it to include the United Arab Emirates and actively support it within the European Union. The German government must exert pressure on Rheinmetall to stop further deliveries of ammunition by its foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures to the countries of the war coalition. The federal government must use diplomatic channels to demand information from Saudi Arabia and the UAE about the whereabouts of small arms supplied from Germany or produced under a German licence. It must address the apparent equipment of local militias in Yemen with German weapons and forcefully demand an explanation for this.