The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, welcomed the release and handover by the Houthis of 64 children deprived of liberty from detention centers to civilian actors in Yemen.
The Special Representative added that the UN welcomes efforts by all parties to conflict to end and prevent grave violations against children, including through the development and implementation of action plans that include concrete measures to end and prevent grave violations.
She further called on the inclusion of child protection provisions in the ongoing peace process and negotiations for a sustainable peace in Yemen. “Child Protection issues are an important and strategic component of peace processes. Addressing grave violations against children is essential to ensure that future generations are not left behind and that the needs of children are properly addressed before, during and after conflict”, said SRSG Gamba.
She also reiterated the availability of the United Nations to support all parties in Yemen to implement measures to strengthen the protection of children affected by the armed conflict.