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At least 115 children have been killed and 172 maimed as result of conflict in Yemen since 26 March, Unicef said recently. 

Conservative estimates on the immense impact of the conflict on children indicate that at least 64 children have been killed by aerial bombardments, 26 by unexploded ordnance and mines, 19 by gunshots, three by shelling and three by unverified causes related to the conflict. In the north of the country, 71 children have been killed, while 44 have been killed in the south. 

The United Nations children’s agency believes that these are conservative numbers as the verification process is ongoing. The total number of children killed or maimed in Yemen’s conflict is likely to be higher.  

“There are hundreds of thousands of children in Yemen who continue to live in the most dangerous circumstances, many waking up scared in the middle of the night to the sounds of bombing and gunfire,” said Julien Harneis, Unicef Representative to Yemen. “The number of child casualties shows clearly how devastating this conflict continues to be for the country’s children. Without a speedy end to the violence, children will be unable to lead normal lives.” 

Unicef also confirms that during the same time period, at least 140 children have been recruited by armed groups, while 23 hospitals were attacked and 30 schools were damaged or occupied by parties to the conflict.  

As the conflict enters its fifth week, children remain the most vulnerable. Urgent action is needed to end grave violations against children, including their recruitment and use by armed groups, with parties to the conflict meeting their obligations under International Law. All parties must refrain from damaging civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and medical facilities, and ending the occupation of schools.

Notes for editors:

For further information please contact the Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.  As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk