In 2011 a number of children were killed and hundreds injured during protests in Yemen. As clashes between government forces and anti-government demonstrators esclated, Save the Children Sweden increased its efforts in the country in order to help the most exposed and vulnerable during this uncertain time. Read a report on Save the Children's emergency response in Yemen from 2009 to 2011 here.
This video, published October 2011, shows the Children from Abyan who fled to Aden schools camp, participate in activities in the Child Firendly Space of Save the Children.
FACT SHEET, AUGUST 2011
In May 2011 heavy fighting between Islamic militants and government forces forced the majority of the civilian population to flee the governorate of Abyan in southern Yemen. Most of them are now staying in neighbouring Aden and Lahj governorates. Most families were unable to bring anything but the clothes on their backs when they fled, and being guests in their new communities they have very few opportunities for income. Around 100,000 persons have now been displaced for about 3 months. For further information on this situation and Save the Children's response, see our fact sheet in English and in Arabic.
PRESS RELEASE, MARCH 2011
Sanaa, 23 March 2011 – Clashes between protestors and President Ali Abdullahs Saleh's security forces have intensified recently. As civil unrest continues in many cities all over Yemen, children are being put in an extremely vulnerable situation.
Save the Children is gravely concerned by the large number of children affected by the violence and the fact that many are not being able to attend school. Physical safety and access to education are basic rights of a child.
Experiences from past emergency work in Yemen and across the Middle East have shown that that the school environment is a crucial institution to create a sense of safety and normality for children during times of crises.
Recent reports from the southern city of Aden have described protestors forcing schools to close and urging the students and teachers to go out and protest.
During these turbulent times, it is extremely important that children have a safe place to stay with their families. Children and their families must be allowed and be able to go out both for basic commodities as well as to play.
Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East and North Africa region, and one of the poorest in the world. Children make up nearly half of Yemen’s population, and are already facing many challenges, including low birth registration rate, low school enrolment rate and early marriage.
Save the Children is now urging all parties involved in the recent events to protect children from being manipulated towards the achievement of political goals and take positive action towards children’s safe attendance at school and their right to live and develop.
Save the Children has been in Yemen since 1963. With over 200 staff members working across the country, Save the Children is one of the largest international non-governmental organizations in Yemen. Save the Children has responded to the emergency in Yemen since August 2009. Save the Children works for a child-led disaster reduction program in emergencies in order to help all children affected by conflict or in conflict areas to have access to protection mechanisms, including quality education, health services and nutrition during emergencies.
For more information, please contact Fatima Al Ajel, Communication and Advocacy Officer in Yemen.
Watch a TV spot created by Save the Children in Yemen and the Ministry of Education. This was broadcasted on local TV stations in May 2011, in order to encourage parents and other duty-bearers to ensure that children attend their final end of year exams: