Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 25th March. UNICEF on Friday warned the world body that without urgent action, millions in Yemen could face greater risks of hunger and malnourishment.
The agency said 8 brutal years of conflict have left 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and many of their families facing serious malnourishment.
Peter Hawkins, the agency’s representative in Yemen said “The lives of millions of vulnerable children in Yemen remain at risk due to the almost unimaginable, unbearable, consequences of the crushing, unending war.”
“UNICEF has been providing desperately needed support throughout the past eight years, and before, but we can only provide so much support to children and families affected without a lasting peace.”
Houthi militias clashed with the forces of the internationally-recognized Government in 2015 which divided the country, displaced millions and destroyed essential services and infrastructure.
UNICEF said over 2.3 million children have been displaced, 11,000 have been killed or seriously injured, over 4,000 have been recruited by the warring parties, and there have been more than 900 attacks on – and the illegal military use of – educational and health facilities. These are verified figures, but the true toll is likely much higher.
“After eight years, many children and families feel stuck in a perpetual cycle of hopelessness,” Mr. Hawkins said.
He added “Children have grown up knowing little but conflict, providing these children with some room for hope of a peaceful future is absolutely critical.”
UNICEF requires $484 million in humanitarian response for children in Yemen in 2023. If funding is not received, UNICEF might be forced to scale down its vital assistance.
“The children of Yemen should be able to look to the future with hope, not fear,” Mr. Hawkins said.
“We call on all parties to help us deliver that hope by committing to the Yemeni people, and pulling a country, and a weary population, back from the brink.”
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