UNICEF refutes allegations that it is part of efforts to destroy Yemen’s education sector made by the defacto authorities in Sana'a

AMMAN, 10 September 2024 - Since 2021, UNICEF and multiple partners have worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the right of Yemen’s 11 million school-aged children to access quality learning primarily through the framework of the Restoring Education And Learning (REAL) programme, a national partnership with the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, the Global Partnership for Education, and many others.

Over that period, the REAL programme has paid regular incentives to over 40,000 teachers, rehabilitated more than 770 schools, supplied schoolbags and educational materials to over half a million children, provided regular school meals to over 600,000 children, and supported over 9,000 teachers with professional training, among other investments.

This support was consistently provided in full collaboration and transparency with authorities in Sana’a and at governorate level, with one primary objective: To ensure that as many children as possible could continue to receive an education in a time of enormous uncertainty.

It is with great disappointment that despite these efforts, authorities in Sana’a recently published false and damaging allegations that UNICEF and partners were colluding to destroy Yemen’s education system. These allegations are categorically baseless.

With over 4.5 million children out of school in Yemen, UNICEF calls on the Sana’a authorities to lead a constructive and collaborative approach, working together with all partners to address the pressing needs of all children.

UNICEF remains committed to ensuring the rights, protection, and well-being of children in Yemen, particularly in providing access to education, healthcare, and essential services, even in the most challenging circumstances.