61.9% of the participants in the survey believe that current laws are inadequate to address juveniles’ issues in Yemen…

Prepared by: Yomna Al-Zubairi – Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope)

Amidst Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and years-long conflict, Yemeni children—nearly half the population—bear the brunt. They lack basic necessities like food, medicine, and education, and suffer from malnutrition and disease. Many are forced to work to feed their families.

This, and much more, leads to family breakdown and societal disintegration, leaving children vulnerable, neglected, and at risk of exploitation and violence. This often pushes them towards delinquency, dropping out of school, and engaging in hazardous work for survival; some even resort to crime to support their families. Consequently, the number of street children in Yemen is steadily increasing.

Following this, Yemen Information Center’s Information and Polling Unit conducted a survey on “Children in Juvenile Correction Facilities” to gauge public opinion on the suffering of street children amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

The survey included 142 participants from across Yemen, with a near-equal gender split: 59.5% male and 40.5% female. Participants spanned various age groups, with the 36-45 age bracket representing the largest percentage (40.5%), followed by the 26-35 age group (28.6%). The survey also included 23.8% aged 46-65, 4.8% aged 18-25, and a small 2.3% of those 65 and older.

Educationally, the most represented group was those with bachelor’s degrees (59.5%), followed by those with postgraduate degrees (21.4%). 14.3% held high school diplomas, and 4.8% were university students.

The survey covered 11 Yemeni governorates, with Sana’a having the highest participation rate (26.2%), followed by Aden (21.4%), Taiz (14.3%), Hadhramaut (9.5%), and Ibb (7.1%). Lahj accounted for 7.1%, Al-Baydha 4.8%, Hudaida, Shabwa, Amran, and Al-Jawf each at 2.4%.

Key Findings:

Initially, 50% of participants said their knowledge of juvenile delinquency in Yemen was extensive, while 45.2% said their knowledge was limited, and only 4.8% said they knew nothing about it.

Regarding the prevalence of juvenile delinquency, 73.8% said the phenomenon was widespread, while the remaining 26.2% said it existed but wasn’t widespread.

On the reasons behind the increase in juvenile delinquencies, participant responses were as follows:

•         Poverty (83.3%).

•         Collapsing education system (73.8%).

•         Domestic violence (71.4%).

•         The Conflict (66.7%).

•         Lack of parental supervision (66.7%).

•         Absence of oversight programs (38.1%).

Furthermore, 95.2% stated that the ongoing conflict in Yemen exacerbated the problem of street children, while 2.4% disagreed, and the remaining 2.4% said they didn’t know.

Regarding the most significant negative effects of the conflict on juvenile psychology and behavior, participant responses were:

•         Homelessness and displacement (85.7%).

•         Loss of education (83.3%).

•         Violence and aggression (83.3%).

•         Fear and anxiety (69%).

When asked if current Yemeni laws are sufficient to deal with juvenile issues, 61.9% said no, 21.4% had no opinion, and only 16.7% thought the existing laws were enough.

Regarding the best ways to handle juvenile issues, participants felt:

•         Providing Rehabilitation programs is needed (90.5%).

•         Psychosocial support is crucial (85.7%).

•         Family support is vital (78.6%).

•         Stricter punishments are necessary (11.9%).

Finally, the survey highlighted the depth of Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, which has hit Yemeni children hardest. They’re suffering from high poverty rates, displacement, malnutrition, and lack of education. The ongoing conflict has made things far worse, leading to increased social and psychological problems for these kids, pushing many into delinquency. Survey participants viewed these children as victims who need protection and support through rehabilitation programs, psychosocial support, and stronger family and community involvement—to save a whole generation. Improving laws to protect these children is also key.