Yemen – August 12, 2025

A high-level webinar organized by the Yemeni Coalition for Monitoring Human Rights Violations (YCMHRV) supported by the DT Institute stressed the highly need to translate Yemen’s child-rights commitments under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) into concrete action.

Held under the theme “From Commitment to Implementation”, the virtual event gathered over 50 participants, including senior government officials, civil society leaders, and representatives from UNICEF, the European Union, and Human Rights Watch. The session formed part of the SAFE II project, which aims to enhance protection of children during the conflict.

Speakers underscored the critical importance of child protection amid ongoing conflict, with Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Nabil Majid, admitting the government faces severe resource and institutional challenges but highlighting efforts to curb child recruitment and improve oversight.

Civil society voices, led by Mutahar Al-Bediji, CEO of YCMHRV, stressed that without sustained advocacy, monitoring, and pressure, progress would remain limited. Ishraq Al-Maqtari of the National Commission of Inquiry warned that violations such as landmine injuries, militarized schools, and child recruitment continue to devastate Yemeni children. From the international community, Dr. Thaer Ammar of the OHCHR – Aden emphasized that the UPR should be used as a platform for cooperation, urging Yemen to submit a voluntary mid-term report to secure global support.

Key Outcomes of the Webinar included:

• A collective call on the government to adopt a clear roadmap and monitoring matrix for UPR child-rights recommendations.
• Renewed demands to end child recruitment and demilitarize schools in line with international obligations.
• Commitments to strengthen rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and education for children affected by war and displacement.
• A consensus on the need for closer cooperation between government, civil society, and international partners, backed by technical and financial assistance.

The webinar was widely seen as a timely reminder that, more than a year after Yemen accepted UPR recommendations on children, gaps between pledges and practice remain stark. Participants agreed that urgent, coordinated steps are needed to protect children and uphold their rights, making the session an important milestone in Yemen’s ongoing human rights dialogue.