Yemen: Females

(asked on 21st January 2020) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Yemen regarding gender inequality in that country.


Answered by
 Portrait
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 4th February 2020

We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Yemen and continue to raise the importance of respect for human rights with all parties to the conflict.

We also acknowledge that the conflict has had a disproportionate impact on women and girls. The incidence of gender based violence has risen by 60% since the start of the conflict. Women and girls bear the disproportionate brunt of obstacles caused by protracted displacement, including lack of access to services and civil documentation.

In the 2018 Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights report, we highlighted our concerns over women's rights including girls' education, and attacks on freedom of religion or belief and on freedom of speech and association. The UK is a global leader on the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and penholder at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). We are prioritising strengthening the implementation of UNSCR 1325 on WPS by increasing women's meaningful participation in peace processes. Through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), we support UN Women initiatives, such as the Yemeni Women Pact. We also support the work of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, who is actively engaging women in the peace process. We recognise there is more to do to support the Special Envoy and are funding advisers on gender and inclusion within his office.

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