Yemen violence forces more children into a deepening crisis

Renewed hostilities in Yemen have forced more than 57,000 children from their homes in just two weeks, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis, UNICEF has warned.

More than 104,000 people have been displaced since the latest escalation began. Since September 3, at least nine children have reportedly been killed and 12 injured, while three children remain missing following an attack on a road between Yemen’s western coast and Aden.

Schools and health services disrupted

Fighting in western Taiz, southern Hudaydah, Marib and other affected areas has disrupted essential services for children.

UNICEF said 26 health facilities it supports have experienced interruptions, while 243 schools have closed or suspended learning. More than 137,000 students have been affected by the disruption to education.

The latest violence comes as millions of children were already struggling with the consequences of years of conflict, displacement, hunger and limited access to basic services.

Even before the latest escalation, an estimated 12.2 million children in Yemen needed humanitarian assistance. More than 2.2 million children under five were suffering from acute malnutrition, including over 515,000 facing severe acute malnutrition.

UNICEF expands emergency support

UNICEF is expanding its emergency response to reach up to 231,000 people affected by the latest violence. Support includes health services, water and sanitation assistance, hygiene supplies and mobile health and nutrition teams.

Child protection teams are also providing psychosocial support and assistance to unaccompanied and separated children.

More than 2,000 people, including many children, have also crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Djibouti, facing extreme heat, dehydration and other risks during the journey. UNICEF is supporting newly arrived families with water, sanitation and child protection services.

UNICEF has urged all parties to protect civilians, particularly children, respect international humanitarian law and ensure safe, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.