The majority of perpetrators of sexual abuse against children easily escape punishment, especially if they are relatives or close family members of the victims, or if they are backed by armed groups or influential figures.
The war and political and military divisions have undermined the efficiency and independence of justice and law enforcement institutions. The cessation or incapacity of most Yemeni NGOs specializing in protecting and advocating for children’s rights since 2014, coupled with the silence and reluctance of most victims’ families to report the abuse for fear of stigma, have all contributed to the increased vulnerability of this group and their deprivation of justice and redress. Crimes against children have increased unprecedentedly, posing a real threat to human values, security, social peace, development, and other serious consequences.
Therefore, Siyaj decided to focus – at this stage – on protecting victims of rape and sexual exploitation by the family and the child’s surrounding community, in addition to victims of murder, kidnapping, forced marriage of young girls, and online blackmail of victims of sexual exploitation, as well as opposing the death penalty for minors. To improve and facilitate its services and increase their accessibility, Siyaj developed the policies and operational mechanisms of its Monitoring and Protection Center, enabling various segments of society to participate in protecting and advocating for children and strengthening accountability and punishment mechanisms. This is done through WhatsApp and dedicated electronic forms for receiving reports and complaints about crimes with complete confidentiality, and for receiving legal consultations. Or volunteer and join the Siyaj team. It also allows institutions and individuals to be partners and advocates for the dignity of child victims and the protection of childhood through donations from inside and outside Yemen.
