Children are among the most vulnerable groups amid conflicts and wars. Those children are subject to a range of violations, including separation from their families, neglect, abuse, gender-based violence, trafficking, and early marriage. The solution lies largely in strong responses that invest in protection.
Protecting children in armed conflict lies at the heart of respect for international humanitarian law. In addition to preventing violence, abuse, and exploitation against children, this law also addresses their special needs and respects their rights, as well as preventing their suffering, thereby preserving their lives and their future, especially for children who are the most vulnerable.
All children should grow up in a safe environment, free from physical and psychological harm, and have the opportunity to grow and contribute effectively to society.
Our children today need double care, and whenever we give them reasons to feel confident and encourage their well-being and development, we establish a generation of positivity and generosity.
Children stuck in a constant cycle of despair:
The widespread humanitarian crisis has heightened protection risks in Yemen, where a large number of children are deprived of essentials and are subject to degrading treatment.
These children are stuck in a constant cycle of despair, their future is at stake, and protecting children has never been more needed than it is now.
In a previous press statement, Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), said, "The evil combination of years of long conflict, a collapsed economy, and a failed social support system has had a devastating impact on the lives of the most vulnerable children in Yemen."
The 2023 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey found that one out of four children of basic education age do not attend school, and 29% are involved in the labor market.
According to a statement issued by UNICEF last March, nearly 10 million Yemeni children are still in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
It is worth noting that Yemen is currently experiencing one of the world's largest internal displacement crises.
Displaced children are more vulnerable to risks, face serious challenges in accessing vital services and basic rights, and their conditions raise serious concerns among humanitarian workers, especially HUMAN ACCESS organization.
According to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs Overview document, there are 1.3 million displaced children in various regions of Yemen, with the Marib Governorate hosting most of the displacement camps.
Protecting these children is an obligation under international humanitarian law to support their survival and enable them to achieve their true ambitions and potential.
Vital services reached 1,245 boys and girls:
UNICEF and HUMAN ACCESS work together in a project to safeguard children in accordance with international standards and guidelines for the integrated public policy for child protection.
The project was successful in providing child protection services to displaced people and host communities in Marib city and Al-Wadi districts of Marib governorate over the period from August 2023 to January 2024, reaching 1,245 boys and girls with vital services.
Multiple important services were offered through this project, such as lifesaving services for child survivors of gender-based violence and conflict-related injuries, psychosocial support, awareness, and legal assistance, including support for obtaining birth certificates and registrations.
All of such activities are necessary assistance to protect the most vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse, and violence.
A major success of the project has also been the prevention of early marriages due to the economic hardship of parents as well as the assistance given to children, including health services, reunification of families, and reintegration into society.
In a special statement, the Secretary-General of HUMAN ACCES, Dr. Abdulwase Alwasea, confirmed that the Yemeni crisis has become a severe survival crisis for children, “and therefore HUMAN ACCESS is making more efforts to protect children and stop their suffering through high-impact interventions.”
According to Dr. Alwasea, the focus on protection is essential and requires continued support from partners to give vulnerable children hope for a peaceful future.
