On this World Children’s Day, Project Masam has shared the stories of several children living in Yemen.
While the war has had a huge impact on their lives, the presence of landmines has altered their future forever.
Rasha Mahmoud was severely wounded by a landmine on her way back from the shop. Her injuries mean that walking to school is extremely painful.
Hamed Mustafa is an inquisitive little boy. He lost his siblings when a landmine detonated under them.
Project Masam met Hamed in his home, and spoke to his father about life without Hamed’s sister and brothers.
Badr Hussein Al-Abab was walking with his friend when a landmine exploded.
Young Badr told Project Masam about life without his best friend, and how the tragic incident still haunts him today.
Alaa Hassan was playing with a friend when a landmine detonated. After losing a limb, Alaa told Project Masam that he struggles to walk to school.
Little Alaa is now scared of being outside, as he fears that he’ll encounter another landmine.
Project Masam also met a teenager called Younes Esmail – who hasn’t let a terrible accident get in the way of his education.
He lost his lower limbs and an arm. His uncle was killed. But Younes is focused on learning and doing well in school to succeed.
Like Hamed, Younes, Rasha, Badr and Alaa, children across Yemen make up the majority of landmine victims.
Indeed, landmines and unexploded ordnance have been the biggest killers of children in Yemen since the beginning of the conflict.
Humanitarian landmine clearance is essential to ensure no other children – or their families and friends – are injured or killed.
Mine Action restores safety and security, and allows for Yemenis to start rebuilding their country, one step at a time.
