Session 8 Flashcards
Question: How does the Saudi-led coalition’s bombing of schools in Yemen violate International Humanitarian Law (IHL)?
Answer: The attacks targeted schools that were not used for military purposes, violating the principle of distinction under IHL. Amnesty International classifies these actions as unlawful airstrikes, potentially amounting to war crimes.
Question: Why does Amnesty International consider the bombing of schools in Yemen a war crime?
Answer: Schools are protected civilian objects under IHL. Deliberate attacks on schools not used for military purposes, as well as attacks that cause disproportionate harm to civilians, are classified as war crimes.
Question: What impact has the destruction of schools had on Yemeni children?
Answer: Over 6,500 students in affected areas lost access to education, with some schools being the only ones available in their regions. The trauma of airstrikes has also instilled fear among children, further disrupting their education.
Question: How are states like the USA and UK implicated in the Saudi-led coalition’s actions in Yemen?
Answer: The USA and UK supply arms to Saudi Arabia, including bombs and fighter jets used in unlawful airstrikes. Amnesty International calls for an arms embargo, citing violations of international law and potential complicity in war crimes.
Question: How does UN Security Council Resolution 2225 relate to the bombing of schools in Yemen?
Answer: The resolution urges all parties to armed conflicts to respect the civilian nature of schools. It also warns that using schools for military purposes could make them legitimate targets, further endangering children.
Question: What actions does Amnesty International propose to address the situation?
Answer: Amnesty calls for independent investigations into the bombings, accountability for those responsible, reparations for victims, and an immediate halt to arms sales to the Saudi-led coalition.
