Empowering Change
Children with disabilities join UNICEF to raise awareness on Explosive Ordnance Risk in Yemen
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The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has resulted in one of the most severe situations globally, marked by conflict-induced violence and widespread environmental hazards. Among these perils, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) pose a significant threat, particularly to children. Alarmingly, 56% of all child casualties from explosive ordnance can be attributed to this legacy of war. As UNICEF works tirelessly to provide life-saving information and protection, UNICEF efforts have brought to light a critical yet often overlooked segment of the population: children with disabilities, especially those with hearing impairments.
Humanitarian Situation in Yemen
Since the onset of the conflict in Yemen, the landscape has become perilous, with landmines and explosive remnants contaminating 20 out of 22 governorates. The statistics paint a grim picture — a child is killed or maimed every day by explosive ordnance. [1]Children with disabilities face even greater dangers; they often lack access to critical information that could protect them from these hidden threats. The situation is further exacerbated by the exclusion of children with hearing impairments from conventional Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) campaigns until recent years.
[1] Civilian Impact Monitoring Project, UNHCR, 2023.
UNICEF’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Recognizing this gap, UNICEF has taken significant steps to ensure that risk education reaches all children. Hadeel, a 16-year-old student with hearing impairment, serves as a shining example of this transformative effort. Through her work with the Association for Persons with Hearing Impairment, Hadeel learned about the dangers associated with UXO and how to communicate these dangers through sign language.
“Through various illustrative tools translated into sign language, we raise awareness about the dangers of explosive remnants of war." “I am very happy that I received awareness. It enhanced my knowledge and showed me how to avoid risks.”
By partnering with the Yemeni Executive Mine Action Center and the Associations of Persons with Hearing Impairment, UNICEF has developed a set of EORE messages specifically designed for children with hearing impairments. This initiative included consultations with experts, producing educational materials in sign language, and implementing campaigns across eight governorates. The comprehensive outreach has reached over 31,000 individuals, empowering children with disabilities to become advocates for safety within their communities.
Impact of the Programme
Since the initiation of targeted EORE campaigns for children with hearing impairments, there have been no reported cases of children in this demographic being maimed or killed by explosive ordnance since 2023. This success underscores the power of inclusive education and community engagement, demonstrating that when children with disabilities are included, they can lead and facilitate change rather than simply being passive recipients of information.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. As Hadeel's story illustrates, the exclusion of children with disabilities from traditional risk education contributes to their heightened vulnerability. There is a pressing need to expand efforts beyond hearing impairments to include other groups in Yemen, ensuring that EORE is not only accessible but also relevant to all. The programme must be extended to other governorates to safeguard more children from the horrors of explosive remnants.
Moving forward
By developing sign language materials and training young advocates like Hadeel, UNICEF is addressing critical gaps in safety information. Importantly, UNICEF’s collaboration with the Yemeni Mine Action Center has been instrumental in implementing effective outreach. To sustain and expand these vital efforts, ongoing support from donors is essential. Increased funding will enable UNICEF to reach more children across additional governorates, ensuring that all children are equipped with the knowledge they need to protect themselves from the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
