Over 3 lakh displaced in Yemen, about 1.65 lakh of them children, as fighting intensifies

More than 3 lakh people in Yemen have been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in safer places because of continuing violence and an unstable situation. About 1.65 lakh of them are children.

Even as the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States goes on, Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis have resumed fighting. On one side are the Saudi-backed government and Saudi Arabia, and on the other the Houthis, and the confrontation now appears to be heading towards a peak. Ordinary people are being crushed between them, and young children are bearing the brunt.

The fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels has made conditions serious in several areas. With violence rising, particularly in parts of western Yemen, people are having to move elsewhere in search of safety. Many families are not getting the chance to pick up even essential household items and are being made homeless in extremely difficult conditions. People are wandering from place to place with whatever belongings they could carry. The number of displaced people has risen sharply in the Taiz area, where housing and basic facilities have become a serious problem.

Concern is being voiced that the conflict is robbing children of their childhood. Displaced children have had to leave school, and many have been cut off from education. Safe shelter, adequate food, clean water and health care have also become hard to get. In the climate of violence, the risk of exploitation, malnutrition and other dangers for children is growing.

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, has expressed deep concern over the situation. The agency says displacement has put children's safety, future opportunities and chances of a better life fully at risk. UNICEF has appealed for immediate help and a safe environment to protect children.

Saleem Oweis, UNICEF's regional spokesperson, also voiced concern. According to the information available to him, more than 3 lakh people have been displaced, including about 1.65 lakh children. He said children's safety, education and health need to be made a priority.

Meanwhile, United Nations relief agencies are trying to take water, food, health care and child protection services to displaced families. However, there are fears that the situation could worsen because of the escalating fighting and obstacles to delivering aid.