30 Children Killed and 73 Injured… 57 Alleged Cases of Child Recruitment Documented Over One Year

30 Children Killed and 73 Injured… 57 Alleged Cases of Child Recruitment Documented Over One Year

Data from the Fourteenth Periodic Report of the National Commission to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations revealed the continued exposure of children in Yemen to multiple violations and risks, including killing and injury, recruitment, and casualties caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war, during the period from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026.

The findings presented in the report highlight the threats facing children and civilians amid the ongoing armed conflict and the resulting direct risks to their lives, safety, and fundamental rights.

Killing and Injury… Dozens of Children Victims of Violations

The National Commission documented 501 incidents involving the killing and injury of civilians during the reporting period. The number of civilian fatalities reached 193, including 30 children, while 388 civilians were injured, including 73 children.

These figures reflect the continued exposure of children to the dangers of armed violence, including attacks and violations affecting residential areas and civilians, amid inadequate protection measures.

Child Recruitment… 57 Alleged Cases Documented Over One Year

The report indicated that 57 alleged cases of recruiting children under the age of eighteen were recorded.

According to the Commission, responsibility for 56 cases was established against the Houthi group, while one case was attributed to the government and affiliated entities.

The recruitment and involvement of children in armed conflict constitute violations of children's rights and expose them to serious risks, including death, injury, exploitation, and psychological violence, as well as depriving them of education and a safe childhood.

Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War… An Ongoing Threat to Children

Regarding landmine casualties, the Commission reported that it had completed investigations into 112 landmine explosion incidents, resulting in 120 casualties.

The number of civilian fatalities reached 64, including 8 children, while 56 civilians were injured, including 7 children and 5 women.

Landmines and explosive remnants of war pose an ongoing threat to children, particularly in residential and rural areas and along roads used by local communities. The lack of awareness about mine-related risks and difficulties accessing contaminated areas may contribute to further casualties.

Recommendations to Strengthen Child Protection

At the conclusion of its report, the National Commission called on all parties to the conflict to take several measures, most notably:

Immediately cease the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

Protect civilians and civilian objects from violations and acts of violence.

Clear landmines and explosive remnants of war and reduce their impact on civilians, particularly children.

Protecting Children: A Legal and Humanitarian Responsibility

The findings presented in the Fourteenth Periodic Report underscore the importance of strengthening child protection mechanisms in Yemen, holding those responsible for violations accountable, and working to reduce the risks threatening children's lives and safety.

They also highlight the need to intensify national and international efforts to end child recruitment, clear landmines, and ensure the protection of civilians. Such efforts would contribute to creating a safer environment for children and safeguarding their fundamental rights to life, education, and protection from exploitation and violence.

Source: Fourteenth Periodic Report of the National Commission to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations.

Reporting Period: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026.