Statement Attributable to Julien Harneis, UNICEF Representative in Yemen, on the Killings of Children in Recent Escalation of Violence

NEW YORK (August 9, 2016) – “Four children were reportedly killed and three were injured on August 7 in the Nihm District, east of the Yemeni Capital, Sana’a. 

UNICEF deplores such acts and urges all parties to exercise maximum caution and avoid civilian infrastructure.

“Children are paying the heaviest price of the conflict in Yemen.

"Since the escalation of the conflict in March 2015, UNICEF was able to verify that 1,121 children were killed and another 1,650 were injured. The actual numbers are likely to be much higher.

“UNICEF urges all parties to the conflict in Yemen to adhere to International Humanitarian Law and keep children out of harm’s way.”

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org