In an interview with Yemen Monitor, Seyaj President Ahmed Al-Qurashi said the recruitment of children in Yemen rose by 500 percent during 2015.
He described the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict as one of the gravest crimes and violations of international humanitarian law, human rights law, and child-rights conventions. He said the consequences include killing, injury, disability, psychological trauma, and deprivation of education.
Al-Qurashi attributed the increase to the expansion of war zones, growing poverty, unemployment, displacement, the collapse of state institutions, and the absence of effective legal restrictions. He said earlier efforts by the government and presidency to adopt practical measures were promising, but those initiatives were undermined before implementation.
He stressed that any serious response must include national legislation, public awareness, clear standards for joining the armed forces, and accountability for tribal leaders, armed groups, and regular forces that recruit children.
