The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF is appealing for the protection of children from escalating violence in Yemen.
At least 62 children have been killed and 30 injured during fighting in the country over the past week, the agency reports.
On Tuesday the UN warned that the situation is “fast-deteriorating” and those involved in conflict must do more to protect civilians as Yemen approaches “total collapse”.
Ana Carmo reports.
UNICEF says the fighting is severely damaging basic health services and education, while violence and displacement are leaving children terrified.
The agency’s representative in Yemen, Julien Harneis, stressed that children are in desperate need of protection.
Parties to the conflict should do all in their power to keep children safe, he added.
UNICEF is warning that the current escalation in violence and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation is exacerbating already precarious conditions for children in the country.
These youngsters are reportedly facing widespread food insecurity, severe acute malnutrition and increased rates of child recruitment.
Meanwhile, UNICEF said it is continuing to work to provide essential services such as water, sanitation and health supplies to the affected children.
Ana Carmo, United Nations.
