Sanaa: Children in Yemen are facing increasing danger as renewed fighting forces tens of thousands of families from their homes and further disrupts essential services, according to UNICEF.
More than 104,000 people, including over 57,000 children, have been displaced in just two weeks following the resumption of hostilities across the country. UNICEF has warned that children are bearing a particularly heavy burden as the security and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
Since September 3, at least nine children have been killed and 12 injured, while three others remain missing after an attack on a road connecting Yemen’s western coast with Aden.
UNICEF has called on all parties involved in the conflict to protect civilians, with particular attention to children. The agency also urged those involved to respect international humanitarian law and ensure that humanitarian workers can safely reach communities in need without obstruction.
The latest escalation comes as Yemen is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis. UNICEF said that even before the renewed fighting, an estimated 12.2 million children in the country required humanitarian assistance.
Malnutrition remains one of the most serious concerns. More than 2.2 million children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition, including more than 515,000 children experiencing severe acute malnutrition.
The conflict is also continuing to affect children's education. UNICEF estimates that 3.2 million school age children are currently out of school, while the disruption of essential services is putting further pressure on families and communities.
Twenty six health facilities supported by UNICEF have experienced interruptions, while 243 schools have either closed or suspended classes. The closures have affected more than 137,000 students.
In response to the growing needs, UNICEF has redeployed mobile health and nutrition teams to displacement centres and communities affected by the fighting. These teams are working to provide assistance to children and families who have been forced from their homes.
However, UNICEF has warned that the current response is not enough to meet the rapidly increasing humanitarian needs. With displacement continuing and access to health, education and other essential services disrupted, children remain among those most exposed to the consequences of the conflict.
The agency's appeal centres on the immediate protection of civilians and children, respect for international humanitarian law and safe humanitarian access so that urgent assistance can reach vulnerable communities.