In the last two weeks alone, renewed fighting in Yemen has displaced over 104,000 people, including more than 57,000 children, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday. Since September 3rd, reports have documented at least nine children killed and twelve injured. Furthermore, three other children are currently missing following an attack near the western coast of Yemen, heading towards Aden.
The conflict, which is active in areas such as western Taizz, southern al-Hudaida, and Ma’rib, is preventing children from accessing essential services. UNICEF reported that the provision of care has been severely disrupted in 26 of the health facilities supported by the agency. Moreover, 243 schools are either closed or have suspended classes, affecting over 137,000 schoolchildren.
Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “Children in Yemen are experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally. Many of them know little else besides conflict and displacement.” He added, “Now, within just two weeks, tens of thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes, many carrying nothing more than what they could wear. Children who have already been dealing with hunger, displacement, and interrupted schooling for years are losing the last vestiges of stability they had, due to the latest violence.”
In response to the escalating situation, UNICEF has expanded its existing emergency measures to reach 231,000 affected individuals. For example, in Taizz, UNICEF is supporting health facilities, distributing hygiene kits, and providing water tanks. In Ma’rib, additional water and sanitation supplies are being distributed, and nine mobile teams focused on health and nutrition are operating in areas where displaced persons are sheltering, as well as in communities in Aden, Ma’rib, and Taizz.
Looking ahead, UNICEF plans to ensure over 200,000 people have access to clean water and hygiene items through its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs. The organization is also conducting urgent repairs on damaged water and sanitation systems. Additionally, child protection experts are providing psychosocial support and assisting communities in identifying and mitigating risks posed by explosive remnants of war.
Even before this recent escalation, an estimated 12.2 million children in Yemen were dependent on humanitarian aid. Acute malnutrition affects more than 2.2 million children under five years old, including over 515,000 who are facing life-threatening cases. Around 3.2 million children are currently out of school.
