The set of images, captured by photographer Anna Pantelia, tell the stories of loss and sadness, but also children’s resilience and determination to rebuild their lives. Accompanying each portrait is a description of the trauma of losing loved ones, physical injuries from explosives and having to flee their homes because of the fighting.
Violence and bloodshed remain an almost daily occurrence in the country; over the past three years, almost one in four casualties in the conflict were children. Between 2018 and 2020, there were 2,341 confirmed child casualties, though the actual number is likely to be much higher.
In addition, the conflict is getting deadlier for children. In 2018, one in five civilian casualties were children, but in 2019 and 2020, that jumped to one in four. It’s a stark reminder that children and families are paying the heaviest price for this brutal war through no fault of their own.
The series comes as the UK government plans to cut aid to the country by nearly 60 per cent, which could have devastating consequences for millions of children who rely on this support to survive.
Currently, over 11.3 million children rely on aid, and it is predicted that over two million children could suffer from severe malnutrition this year. Almost 400,000 of these children under five are at risk of severe acute malnutrition and at heightened risk of death.
Read more:
- Through the lens: Young Syrian refugees tell their story to mark 10 years since the devastating war began
- Coronavirus: How Unesco are plugging the global gap in education
Kevin Watkins, CEO of Save the Children UK, said: “Without urgent action, the humanitarian situation, already the worst in the world, is set to deteriorate further with the very real risk of famine, mass civilian casualties, and total collapse of basic services.
“The UK must use its position at the UN Security Council to bring the warring parties around the negotiating table, secure an immediate ceasefire and urgently reverse its decision to cut lifesaving aid to vulnerable children who need our help.”
You can find out more about Save the Children’s work in Yemen here
