Thousands of children are being denied an education because their schools in Yemen have been occupied by armed groups, says UNICEF.

International news agencies are reporting that rebel forces in northern Yemen have occupied dozens of schools, preventing thousands of children from attending classes. Yemeni education officials estimate that at least 30,000 children are unable to go to their primary and secondary schools.

UNICEF Yemen Representative, Geert Cappelaere, says that UNICEF is deeply concerned about reports that schools in the northern governorate of Saada were occupied by armed men, and that children are being denied their right to education.

“Schools should be zones of peace where children can learn and thrive. Using them for military or inappropriate political purposes is a violation of children’s rights and of international humanitarian law. Children must be allowed to resume their schooling immediately.

“Yemen has some of the lowest school enrolment rates in the Middle East and
North Africa region, with more than a quarter of children – particularly girls of primary-school age – not receiving an education.

“The conflict in the north has exacerbated this situation, forcing thousands of children to flee their homes and reducing hundreds of schools to rubble. The 11 February ceasefire brought hope, allowing children to go back to school in the aftermath of conflicts and helping them recover a sense of normalcy.”

UNICEF is calling upon all parties throughout the country to ensure the right to
quality education for every child.

“Depriving children of this right is detrimental to their well-being and to their country’s future.”