Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Taiz (Agenzia Fides) – Many Yemeni children have been affected by the violence that has accompanied nationwide protests which began in February 2011 against the rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. A statement from UNICEF states that school heads are concerned the escalating violence is adversely affecting not only students' attendance, but behaviour and performance as well. “Children are becoming more aggressive and have a higher tendency to fight,” says Jamila al-Mujahid, principal of the Sana'a-based Muadh Ibn Jabal School. According to local NGO Seyaj Organization for Childhood Protection (SOCP), at least 22 children were killed and more than 200 injured during the protests in March 2011. They make up about 20% of total deaths.
SOCP accused the police of taking "advantage of the state of emergency currently enforced in the country" to commit abuses against children. Accusations have also been made against political parties that exploit minors during demonstrations. SOCP Chairman Ahmad al-Qurashi said some parents had also sent their children to participate in demonstrations. “They are unaware that they are exposing them to risk and increasing their vulnerability to fatal dangers,” he said. Last month, Education Minister Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi warned that the government would punish any person involving children in protests, calling upon all to respect schools. On 2 April, some local human rights groups also announced they would take legal action against protesters for using children in political marches. (AP) (6/4/2011 Agenzia Fides)
