Entesaf Organization: The aggression and siege exacerbate the suffering of girls in Yemen and deprive thousands of them of education and safety
On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child
The Intisaf Organization for Women and Children’s Rights condemns the continued aggression and siege and the repercussions of the aggression on the lives of girls in Yemen, and the harsh humanitarian, social and economic effects left by the years of aggression over 12 years on their childhood, depriving many of them of their right to education, safety and a decent life, at a time when the International Day of the Girl Child is supposed to be an occasion to protect their rights and enhance their opportunities to build a safe and stable future.
The organization confirmed that the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child this year comes as Yemeni girls face a tragic reality due to the repercussions of the aggression, the siege, and the deterioration of living conditions, as the girls’ suffering is no longer limited to the fear of bombing, displacement, and the loss of family members, but rather extends to deprivation of education, malnutrition, and declining opportunities for access to health care and protection, as well as the growing risks of exploitation, child labor, and early marriage.
The organization explained that education is one of the rights most affected by the years of aggression, siege, and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, as UN data indicate that about 3.2 million children in Yemen are out of school, including nearly 1.5 million girls, meaning approximately 47% of children deprived of education. This number reflects the magnitude of the disaster that threatens the future of girls, deprives them of opportunities to learn, become independent, and achieve their aspirations, and forces some of them to bear the burden of work and family responsibilities at an early age.
The organization pointed out that the Saudi aggression and renewed attacks caused forced displacement, which increases the vulnerability of girls’ conditions, especially in the affected areas, where families are exposed to the loss of housing and sources of income, and face difficulties in providing food, medicine, and school supplies. The organization warned that the renewed Saudi aggression and blockade led to the displacement of more than 104,000 people within two weeks, including more than 57,000 children. These developments represent a direct threat to the continuation of the educational process, and increase the risk of girls dropping out of school and exposing them to various forms of exploitation.
The organization stressed that the displacement resulting from the aggression does not only mean girls moving from one place to another, but also imposes harsh conditions on them, including loss of privacy, living in inappropriate housing, difficulty accessing clean water, health facilities, and basic services, in addition to security and psychological risks. The absence of a safe environment and the weak capabilities available to displaced families make girls more vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation, and double the suffering of girls with disabilities and families headed by women.
The organization pointed out that the continuation of the aggression and siege has led to an economic crisis, a decline in sources of income, and a rise in the cost of living, prompting some families to take their daughters out of school or impose on them responsibilities beyond their years, while the interruption of education reduces their future opportunities and increases the possibility of them being exposed to poverty and marginalization. The lack of health, nutrition and social protection services also exacerbates the risks facing girls, especially in the most affected and needy areas.
The Entesaf Organization stressed that what girls are exposed to in Yemen cannot be separated from the cumulative effects of aggression, siege, and the deterioration of humanitarian conditions, stressing that protecting children is a legal and moral responsibility that should not be neglected, and that the Saudi aggression is obligated to respect the rules of international humanitarian law, and take the necessary measures to protect civilians, especially children, and ensure the protection of schools, health facilities, and other civilian objects.
The organization blamed the Saudi aggression for the violations and crimes over 12 years and the consequences of the harm inflicted on the girls, demanding an end to the Saudi aggression and blockade and actions that threaten their lives and safety, ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and providing a safe environment that enables them to regain their basic rights.
The organization called on the United Nations, international organizations, and human rights and humanitarian bodies to take urgent action to stop the aggression and siege that threatens civilians, and to work to end the aggression and address its causes in a way that ensures the protection of girls and children.
It calls for lifting restrictions that impede the access of food, medicine, fuel and humanitarian aid, and ensuring that it reaches the most affected families.
It calls for the rehabilitation of damaged schools, and the provision of education supplies and support necessary to return girls who have dropped out of school.
It calls for providing protection for displaced girls and those affected by the aggression, enhancing psychological, social and health support services, combating violence, exploitation, child labor and early marriage, and providing safe mechanisms for reporting violations and holding those responsible accountable.