Yemen conflict has caused at least 400 deaths of children: UNICEF
At least 400 children have been killed by the armed conflict in Yemen with an average of eight children who are killed or injured every day, he warned the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF).
According to a new report, "Yemen: Childhood Under Threat", at least 400 children have died and over 600 have been injured since the violence escalated about four months in the country.
The disruption in health services, increased levels of child malnutrition, school closures and a greater number of children recruited by groups of fighters are some of the effects of conflict sweeping the poorest country in the Arab world.
"This conflict is primarily a tragedy for Yemeni children," UNICEF Representative in Yemen, Harneis Julien said in a statement.
"Children are being killed because of bombs or bullets, and those who survive have to deal with the growing threat of disease and malnutrition. This can not continue, "he added.
The report stressed that today the conflict is as devastating to the lives of children and also have dire consequences on their future.
Across the country, nearly 10 million children under 18 years-children represent 80 percent of the population of the country need urgent humanitarian aid.
The report predicted that 1.8 million children are likely to suffer some form of malnutrition later this year. And besides, about three thousand 600 schools have closed, deplored UNICEF.
The document noted that 15.2 million people lack access to basic health care and 900 health centers have been closed since 26 March, when the bombing began led by Saudi Arabia against the Houthis coalition.
In addition, over 1.3 million people have been forced to flee their homes, the report said.
Added to that 20.4 million people need help with access to safe water and sanitation due to fuel shortages, damage to infrastructure and insecurity.
UNICEF has participated fully in humanitarian operations in Yemen since the conflict began.
His staff, who work across the country, is responding to the fundamental needs of children by providing services such as water distribution and treatment of children suffering from malnutrition, diarrhea, measles and pneumonia.
In the past six months, the organization dedicated to children has provided psychological support to more than 150,000 children to help them cope with the horrors of the conflict.
An estimated total of 280,000 people have learned how to avoid injury producing mines and explosive ordnance.
UNICEF has responded to the emergency despite serious funding problems.
So far it has only been covered 16 percent of a total of 182.6 million requested by the agency to address the emergency in Yemen
"We urgently need funds to reach children who are in desperate need," said Harneis.
"We can not stay as we are and let the children suffer the consequences of a humanitarian catastrophe," he said.
Finally, UNICEF reiterated its call to all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to stop using civilians as targets of war, as well as schools and water services and bless you.
"UNICEF does it again stressed the urgent need to end the conflict once and for all, '' he said.
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