Lawyers and experts call for European action to stop child recruitment and hold Houthi militias accountable.

European Action Needed to Stop Child Recruitment by Houthi Militias

Experts and human rights advocates have called for a European response that goes beyond mere condemnation. They urge political and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian-backed Houthi militias to halt the recruitment and ideological indoctrination of children and to hold accountable those responsible for these violations.

Human Rights Seminar in The Hague

This call to action emerged during a human rights seminar held in The Hague, Netherlands. The event was organized by the European Yemeni Forum in collaboration with the “Rights Radar” organization and the Yemeni community in the Netherlands.

Alarming Statistics on Child Recruitment

During the seminar, a Yemeni academic highlighted that the Houthi militias have targeted over 250,000 children through approximately 500 schools and centers. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for intervention.

Need for Effective Documentation Mechanisms

Participants emphasized the necessity of establishing an effective mechanism to document violations. They proposed creating a unified registry of victims and securely preserving evidence for future legal accountability. Additionally, they called for a European initiative to protect Yemeni children and support their education, as well as their psychological and social rehabilitation.

Addressing the Needs of Recruited Children

The attendees stressed the importance of treating recruited children as victims of recruitment and indoctrination. They advocated for reintegrating these children into schools and society while also supporting their families and addressing the economic conditions that the militias exploit to recruit more children.

Urgent Call for Action

The participants urged immediate action that combines stopping child recruitment, holding perpetrators accountable, and protecting victims. They asserted that addressing this issue requires practical and sustainable measures that go beyond simply condemning violations.

Ongoing Challenges Due to Houthi Control

They warned that the continued control of Houthi militias over certain provinces allows for the recruitment of more children. This situation exacerbates the psychological, social, and ideological challenges that will confront efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate these children into society in the future.

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