UNICEF Appeals: Protect Children from Escalating Violence in Yemen

NEW YORK (March 31, 2015) – At least 62 children have been killed and 30 injured during fighting in Yemen over the past week, according to UNICEF. The fighting is severely damaging basic health services and education, while violence and displacement are leaving children terrified.

“Children are in desperate need of protection, and all parties to the conflict should do all in their power to keep children safe,” said Julien Harneis, UNICEF Yemen Representative speaking from Amman. 

The current escalation in violence and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation is exacerbating already precarious conditions for children in the country, with widespread food insecurity, severe acute malnutrition and increased rates of child recruitment.

UNICEF, with national and international partners, continues to work to provide essential water, sanitation and health supplies, as well as vaccinations, nutrition, education, psychosocial and mine awareness programs to affected children.

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:

Marci Greenberg, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2464, mgreenberg@unicefusa.org