Seyaj Organization for Childhood Protection welcomed the historic decision of Yemeni President Field Marshal 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 fruit of years of advocacy by Seyaj and its partners against child recruitment since 2009. It also called for 27 November of each year to be recognized as a national day to combat the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict in Yemen.
Seyaj praised the government’s positive stance on developing legislation and practical measures to prevent the exploitation of children in conflict, and expressed appreciation for the role of the United Nations, UNICEF, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and the German government in supporting these efforts.
The organization said it hoped the decision would lead to national laws and practical steps for the demobilization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of child soldiers and would prevent the future use of children by armed forces, armed groups, and tribes.
