(Adnkronos) – More than one in five people killed or injured in recent violence in Yemen is a child. Over 80% of child victims were caused by airstrikes, bombings, or drones. This is denounced by Save the Children, the organization that has been fighting for over 100 years to save children at risk and guarantee them a future. The toll of the violence is dramatic. Between August 1st and September 9th, at least 19 children were killed and another 49 were injured, out of a total of 117 civilians killed and 206 injured. At least 175 victims were recorded in a single week (from September 3rd to 9th), including 43 children, the highest number of child victims recorded in a single week in the last 12 months[2]. At least 28 children injured due to the conflict received life-saving medical assistance through Save the Children.
The consequences of the escalation, however, go far beyond the death toll. The number of people forced to flee their homes also continues to grow: at least 85,000 people have had to abandon their homes since July, as the escalation of violence continues.
For displaced families, conditions are extremely difficult. Many arrive at reception centers after being forced to leave their homes suddenly, without the possibility of taking essential goods with them. Reception centers and communities hosting displaced people, already in many cases beyond their capacity, are under increasing pressure. And it is above all children who pay the consequences of this situation: a significant number of minors and families do not have adequate shelter and are forced to live outdoors or in informal settlements.
Adding to an already dramatic situation is the risk of a new health emergency. Infectious and waterborne diseases, including measles, acute watery diarrhea, and cholera, are increasing simultaneously. In addition, heavy rains and floods in the coming weeks could further worsen the conditions of millions of people, plunging the country into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
“Once again, children are paying the highest price for some of the most severe violence the country has seen in recent years. Children are being killed and maimed by bombs and bullets as they flee their homes in search of safety. They suffer severe injuries and deep psychological consequences. Every day we receive requests for help for injured children who need assistance. Families who have already lived through years of conflict, hunger, and displacement once again fear for their children’s future. Our workers hear parents terrified of what might happen, without access to food, clean water, healthcare, or a safe place to sleep,” said Rishana Haniffa, Save the Children’s Director in Yemen.
This escalation comes within a context already characterized by an extremely fragile humanitarian crisis and a severe lack of funding. This year, an estimated 22.3 million people, including 12.2 million children, need humanitarian assistance and protection. However, the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2026 is only 20% funded, significantly limiting the capacity of humanitarian organizations to respond to the new increase in displaced families.
“Children in Yemen have been living through a series of overlapping crises for over a decade, leaving millions of people vulnerable long before this latest escalation. They should not be forced to bear the brunt of a new wave of violence. Civilians and the infrastructure they depend on, particularly schools and hospitals, must be protected from attacks,” Haniffa continued.
“Every child must have safe access to the essential assistance and services they need to survive, recover, and thrive. At the same time, donors must urgently provide flexible funding so that humanitarian organizations can address rapidly growing needs and continue to provide life-saving services. Above all, the children of Yemen must be protected at all costs,” she concluded.
In this context, Save the Children is intensifying its response to support newly displaced children and families, while ensuring the continuity of already active life-saving services. The Organization provides emergency financial assistance, temporary shelters, and hygiene materials, as well as safe drinking water to families forced to leave their homes. The intervention also concerns the protection of the most vulnerable minors, activating child protection services, facilitating access to care and transport of injured children to health facilities, and identifying and monitoring children separated from their families or unaccompanied, including tracing family members and family reunification where necessary.
