Friends at one of their protests. Photo: Courtesy of Robin Bowles.
From Yemen to Huddersfield
Huddersfield Friends have received messages from Yemen following their peaceful protest
Huddersfield Friends received special thanks over social media from people in Yemen for a peaceful protest they held against the UK’s arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Fourteen Quakers took part in the monthly vigil on 25 August at Huddersfield’s Market Place as an act of solidarity with people in Yemen.
Robin Bowles, from Huddersfield Meeting, told the Friend: ‘We’re all very moved and amazed that our little vigil is able to give hope for people working for peace in Yemen who are suffering the most appalling hidden war, fuelled by British weapons.’
One of the messages said: ‘We really appreciated your efforts. It means a lot to find people who care and do what they can to change this war tragedy in Yemen. I salute your humanity.’
Another said: ‘Thank you for standing with us.’
Huddersfield Friends said they were holding this month’s vigil for the (at least) twenty-six children and four women killed in airstrikes in Yemen on 23 August. A panel of human rights experts from the United Nations said last month that some air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition in the war in Yemen may amount to war crimes.
