We are losing a generation of children in Yemen: UNICEF

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern about the humanitarian conditions of Yemeni children, warning about the formation of a “lost generation”.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern about the humanitarian conditions of Yemeni children, warning about the formation of a “lost generation”.

More than half a million children have been forced to leave their homes in the past six months, most of which have fled a major Saudi-led military onslaught on Yemen’s port city of Hudaydah during July and August, said the Yemen director of UNICEF, Meritxell Relano, on Thursday.

Facing no access to education and withstanding an increased risk of disease and hunger, Relano highlighted some of the conflict’s long-term effects on the children.

“Without education they will not be able to find jobs… a generation that is not educated has a very bleak future,” said the UNICEF director.

“We are losing a generation – many children are losing on their education, and displacement makes it worse.”

The Save the Children charity reports that despite an ongoing ceasefire in Hudaydah, thousands of families are still fleeing the city in fear of a renewed Saudi siege. Many are struggling to afford basic items like food, fuel and medicine.