Following the intensification of the conflict in Yemen in 2021, violence has continued to escalate this year and as always children are the first and most to suffer.
Since the conflict escalated in Yemen nearly seven years ago, the UN has verified that more than 10,200 children have been killed or injured. The actual number is likely much higher.
“Violence, misery and grief have been commonplace in Yemen with severe consequences for millions of children and families,” said Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF Representative in Yemen.
“It is high time that a sustainable political solution is reached for people and their children to finally live in the peace they so well deserve,” the statement reads.
“UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict in Yemen and those with influence over them to protect civilians wherever they are. Children’s safety, their well-being and protection must be safeguarded at all times.”
The reports came as Yemen continues to be mired in a years-long conflict underway, which in addition to the loss of life is tearing apart livelihoods, social fabric, causing Yemen to teeter on the brink of famine, and resulting in widespread reversals of development progress.
For seven years, Yemen has been witnessing a war that has claimed 233,000 lives, and caused the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, leaving 80% of the population (30 million) dependent on aid to survive.
The UN has called Yemen the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with 80 percent of the population reliant on aid.