Nearly 1,200 Children Killed or Injured in Yemen Amid Truce

Yemen Conflict Claims Lives of Nearly 1,200 Children

A recent analysis by Save the Children has found that nearly one in two child casualties in Yemen are due to landmines and explosive remnants of war. Since a United Nations-led ceasefire was brokered on April 2, 2022, at least 339 children have been killed and 843 injured in the conflict.

The data collected by the Civilian Impact Monitoring Project (CIMP) suggests that children were more than three times more likely to be killed or injured by explosive remnants than adults. The organization attributes this to a lack of mine risk awareness and increased exposure due to child labor.

According to Save the Children, 511 – nearly one in two – child casualties were due to landmines and explosive remnants of war. Blast injuries have caused permanent disabilities in children, including spinal cord injuries, amputation of limbs, and loss of sight and hearing.

The organization’s country director in Yemen stated that these figures highlight the ongoing impact of the conflict on children beyond the front lines. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation and potential attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

Families affected by the conflict have reported significant psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. One family witnessed an explosion within their home, resulting in life-changing injuries for one of their sons.

Source: Al Jazeera