Yemen Peace Talks: A Need For Accountability

The armed conflict in Yemen has been characterized by numerous violations of the laws of war by all sides, which have not been investigated nor have resulted in any redress for victims of unlawful attacks. The Saudi Arabia-led coalition of nine Arab countries has carried out indiscriminate airstrikes against residential neighborhoods, markets, and other civilian structures causing several hundred civilian casualties. Ansar Allah, the northern group, also known as the Houthis, and other armed groups on both sides have committed various abuses in ground operations. Although a ceasefire was announced on April 10, fighting has continued across Yemen. The United Nations-backed talks began in Kuwait on April 21, 2016. Participants to the Yemen peace talks should support international investigations, transitional justice, and victim compensation as key elements of any agreement.