Yemen Rights Network Reports Over 29,000 Violations Against Children by Houthi Militias

Alarming Report on Houthi Violations Against Yemeni Children

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has published a comprehensive report detailing the extensive violations committed by Houthi militias against children in Yemen. Covering the period from January 1, 2015, to March 30, 2026, the report documents a staggering 29,891 incidents of abuse and crime directed at this vulnerable population.

Child Casualties and Injuries

The report emphasizes the grave impact of Houthi actions on child casualties, revealing that these militias are responsible for the deaths of 5,180 children, including 582 infants. These tragic losses are attributed to sniper attacks, indiscriminate shelling, landmines, and mass killings. Furthermore, 6,748 children have sustained injuries, with many suffering from permanent disabilities due to landmines.

Abductions, Sexual Violence, and Displacement

In addition to casualties, the report uncovers 348 cases of child abduction and enforced disappearance, along with 167 instances of sexual assault. Many abducted children have endured physical and psychological torture in militia detention centers, with some tragically perishing under such conditions. Moreover, Houthi actions have displaced approximately 43,965 children, forcing over 3 million into the labor market and rendering about 4.5 million without access to education. This educational crisis results primarily from the conversion of schools into military barracks and recruitment centers.

Ongoing Child Recruitment and Call for Action

The report also highlights the ongoing recruitment of children by Houthi militias for military purposes, constituting a violation of international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. International reports indicate that the Houthis have recruited over 40,000 children, with documented deaths of 6,823 recruited children and injuries to 9,986 others. The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms categorizes these violations as serious crimes against humanity and urges the Houthi militias to immediately cease child recruitment and release all abducted minors.

Furthermore, the organization calls upon the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to implement effective measures to protect Yemeni children and hold accountable those responsible for these violations. They warn that without substantial international intervention, an entire generation of children may be irreparably lost.

Conclusion

This report serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for action to safeguard the rights and futures of children in Yemen. The ongoing conflict poses significant threats to their safety, education, and overall well-being, underscoring the necessity for immediate intervention.