GRC’s submissions to the GEE outline the elements of starvation as a method of warfare in the context of Yemen and the potential evidentiary challenges that may arise in investigating accountability under this offence. Additionally, GRC provide alternative avenues under the Rome Statute that could be utilised to pursue accountability for actions leading to starvation including the Crimes Against Humanity of: Extermination, Persecution and Other Inhumane Acts.

GRC’s submissions urged the GEE to carefully assess the existing documentation relating to starvation in Yemen and highlight that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that, as a result of the decisions and policies of the Houthi-Saleh forces as well as the Saudi-led Coalition and other armed groups, civilians in specific areas of Yemen are starving and/or are facing the threat of starvation. As leading experts in the field of international criminal law, GRC set out clearly in the submissions how the elements of the potential applicable offences should be investigated and how the available documentation and information should be presented in order to support meaningful accountability and any prospective prosecution.