Ministry of Social Affairs Launches the National Child Protection Plan 2026–2029 Under the Slogan: “A Childhood Without Protection… A Future Without Safety”
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor launched this morning in the capital, Aden—under the generous patronage of H.E. Prime Minister Salem Abdullah bin Brik—the “National Child Protection Plan 2026–2029,” held under the slogan: “A Childhood Without Protection… A Future Without Safety.”
During the inauguration ceremony, attended by H.E. Prof. Abdul Nasser Ahmed Ali Al-Wali, Minister of Civil Service and Insurance; H.E. Mohammed Mohammed Hazam Al-Ashwal, Minister of Trade and Industry; several deputy ministers, directors-general, and representatives of UN, regional, international, and civil society organizations, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Zaouri, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, delivered a speech welcoming all participants. He stated:
“The launch of our Child Protection Plan coincides with Universal Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20. It is a global occasion to renew our commitment to children’s rights and to strengthen efforts toward ensuring a safe and dignified environment for every child. It is also a clear message that our country continues to move forward in protecting its children and upholding their dignity and humanity.”
The Minister stressed that child protection is not merely a legal obligation, but a fundamental pillar in building a safe nation and a prosperous future. He noted that protecting children is a shared responsibility among the government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector—an ethical and humanitarian duty before being an institutional or legal one.
Al-Zaouri explained that the plan is the result of comprehensive national efforts, prepared by the Ministry’s team in partnership with UNICEF, along with specialized academics from the Universities of Aden, Hadramout, and Taiz, in addition to international experts and civil society organizations. The plan aims to enhance an integrated system for protecting children from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. It is based on the principles of the UN Charter and the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
He also addressed the ongoing challenges and conflicts the country is facing, which have made children the most vulnerable and affected group—many suffering from violence, displacement, loss of education, and lack of access to healthcare. He emphasized that the violations occurring against children in some areas constitute a humanitarian catastrophe by every measure, requiring intensified efforts and strengthened national and international responses to protect this generation.
Regarding the financial requirements of the plan, the Minister highlighted that achieving its goals will require approximately $351 million to meet the needs of only 20% of children in need of protection services—around 504,000 children—in addition to building the capacities of nearly 27,000 national personnel across related sectors.
He concluded by expressing his gratitude to all who contributed to the development of the plan, including ministry staff, technical teams, government partners, international and UN organizations—particularly UNICEF—and everyone who supported the effort to build a country that protects its children, safeguards their dreams, and shapes their future with hope and peace.
The National Child Protection Plan 2026–2029, which focuses on 12 governorates (Aden, Hadramout – Coast, Hadramout – Desert, Al-Dhalea, Lahj, Hodeidah, Shabwa, Taiz, Al-Mahra, Abyan, Marib, Socotra Archipelago), provides a comprehensive vision for improving child protection both in the short and long term. It aims to achieve seven strategic goals through a range of interventions covering legal frameworks, knowledge systems, national capacities, child and family services, alternative care, and the development and restructuring of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
Dr. Sahar Higazi, Head of UNICEF’s Aden Office, also delivered a speech expressing her happiness with the launch of the plan and her appreciation to the Yemeni government for its sincere efforts in serving Yemenis, especially women and children. She extended her thanks to the ministry’s technical team, relevant ministries, UN partners, NGOs, and civil society organizations that contributed to the preparation of the plan.
The ceremony featured an extensive presentation of the plan and its objectives, followed by an honoring of UNICEF and the ministry’s technical team. The event concluded with a beautiful artistic performance by a group of young girls, which was warmly received by the audience.
