Seyaj Organization for Childhood Protection and the Yemeni Presidency discussed a number of issues and challenges affecting child rights in Yemen.
The meeting brought together Seyaj President Ahmed Al-Qurashi and Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi, head of the Presidency’s department for local authority and civil society organizations. The two sides discussed the death sentences facing dozens of Yemeni juveniles in detention, as well as the rising rates of serious crimes and violations against children and the possibilities for cooperation between Seyaj, the Presidency, and the government to confront them and reduce their impact on children’s rights.
The discussion emphasized the need to strengthen and protect children’s rights and to confront serious violations and crimes against children, especially child recruitment and use in armed conflict, forced marriage of girls, and other dangers facing childhood.
Dr. Al-Alimi affirmed the Presidency’s readiness to cooperate fully with Seyaj to develop and implement practical procedures, measures, and legal reforms necessary to improve the situation of children. He also expressed the Presidency’s appreciation for Seyaj’s pivotal and effective national role in protecting and advocating for child rights, including its notable achievements in confronting violations of international law, the execution of minors, trafficking, organ trade, abduction, and deprivation of fundamental rights.
For his part, Al-Qurashi expressed Seyaj’s appreciation for the Presidency’s understanding and responsiveness to many of the letters and reports provided by the organization since its establishment.
The meeting was attended by a number of officials from the Office of the Presidency, as well as Malouk Qassem from Seyaj’s Monitoring and Protection Center.
Sana’a – Seyaj – 8 May 2014.
