Unicef UK warns Yemen conflict is 'shattering' the lives and futures of millions of children
Unicef UK response to the report, ‘Crisis in Yemen’, published by the International Development Committee today:
“Unicef UK welcomes the report ‘Crisis in Yemen’, published today by the International Development Committee. The report highlights the devastating impact that the conflict continues to have on the lives of children in Yemen.
“The violence in Yemen has not only shattered the lives of millions of children, but today’s report also highlights the alarming long-term consequences the conflict could have on a generation of Yemini children; 47% are currently unable to go to school because of the conflict.
“The destruction of the health service has also left millions of children and their families without adequate nutrition, drinking water or sanitation and poses serious risks to the country’s future beyond the end of the conflict. UNICEF estimates that nearly 10,000 children under 5 years may have died in the past year from preventable diseases.
“The report highlights that this is yet another conflict where children are being let down under international humanitarian law; their schools and hospitals are attacked, and the number of grave violations against children is rising
“The UK Government has a critical role to play in ensuring that the children of Yemen can look forward to a future with hope rather than despair. We urge the Government to heed the report’s recommendations and use their influence to reduce the suffering of millions of children in country. We must not let the children of Yemen become a lost generation.”
