Seyaj Organization for Childhood Protection welcomed the historic decision of Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to prohibit the recruitment of children under the age of 18 in Yemen.
The organization said the decision represents a victory for children’s rights and the result of Seyaj’s efforts, together with its partners, to combat child recruitment since 2009. It also called for 27 November to be recognized each year as a national day against the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict in Yemen.
Seyaj praised the positive role of the Yemeni government, UNICEF Yemen, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and the German government in supporting work against child recruitment. It expressed hope that the decision would be translated into national legislation and practical measures to demobilize, rehabilitate, and reintegrate child soldiers and prevent their future exploitation by regular forces, armed groups, and tribes.
