Despite historic gains made for children since the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted 30 years ago by the United Nations General Assembly, Yemen remains one of the worst places to be a child, a UNICEF statement said.
A continuing brutal conflict and a subsequent economic crisis have left basic social services systems across the country on the brink of collapse with far reaching consequences on children. Today, over 12 million-nearly every child- in Yemen is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
"The 30th anniversary of the convention should serve as a stark reminder to all of us to urgently recommit to our accountabilities to help the children of Yemen to survive and grow in a safe and peaceful environment", the statement added.
On 20th November, to mark the 30th anniversary of the CRC in Yemen, UNICEF is organizing sports activities for boys and girls in each of Yemen's 22 governorates to highlight the right to play as an important aspect for the physical and mental development of a child. This also serves as an opportunity to remind parties to the conflict that children should not require such special arrangements just to be able to come outside at the same time to play.
While UNICEF and partners continue to deliver lifesaving services for children in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, as well as protection services, only peace can provide a lasting solution to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and alleviate the situation of children. (QNA)
