Arabic version: فشل وقف إطلاق النار في حماية أطفال اليمن من العنف
Nearly 1,200 children have been killed or injured in Yemen despite a United Nations-led ceasefire, according to a report by Save the Children. The humanitarian organization revealed that despite the truce, which was brokered on April 2, 2022, violence persists in the form of shelling, gunfire, landmines, and other explosive remnants of war.
The analysis, based on data from the Civilian Impact Monitoring Project (CIMP), indicates that at least 339 children have died and 843 have sustained injuries, many of which are life-altering. Notably, nearly one in two of these casualties—511 children—were attributed to landmines and explosive remnants of war. Children are reportedly more than three times as likely as adults to be killed or injured by such hazards.
While overall civilian casualties have decreased since the truce, the percentage of child injuries from landmines and unexploded ordnance has significantly increased compared to the four years prior. Save the Children attributed this alarming trend to a lack of mine risk awareness and the increased exposure of children to dangerous environments due to child labor.
Rishana Haniffa, the organization’s country director in Yemen, emphasized the ongoing dangers children face in their daily lives, stating, “These figures are a reminder that beyond the front lines, the war on children continues in their homes, schools and areas where they play and help their families tend to land.” According to Al Jazeera, this situation raises concerns about the potential for escalating violence in the region, which could further endanger children in Yemen.
In addition to physical injuries, many children are experiencing significant psychological distress as a result of the violence. One father, Ahmad, shared the traumatic experience of his son Kamal, who underwent life-changing surgery following an explosion near their home. Ahmad described the fear and anxiety that have affected his family since the incident, highlighting the long-term impact of the conflict on the mental health of children in Yemen.
