Yemen, a country devastated by years of conflict, is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with the most vulnerable groups—especially women and children—bearing the brunt. Among the most harrowing effects of this ongoing instability are the rising rates of sexual violence and child marriage. These deeply troubling issues not only reflect the widespread suffering caused by war but also compound the long-term challenges of rebuilding a society that has been torn apart.
Since 2014, Yemen has been embroiled in a brutal war, with external powers involved, creating widespread destruction. The war has led to a breakdown in basic infrastructure, disrupted education systems, and decimated healthcare services, leaving millions of Yemenis displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
As the situation has worsened, the most vulnerable—women and children—have suffered disproportionately. In this unstable environment, the rights and protections of these groups have been severely undermined, leading to a rise in sexual violence and child marriage.
Child marriage is one of the most tragic consequences of Yemen’s ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the country’s fragile socio-economic situation. Yemen had one of the highest rates of child marriage globally even before the war began, with nearly one in three girls married before the age of 18. However, the crisis has escalated since the conflict, as poverty, insecurity, and displacement have driven families to marry off their daughters at even younger ages.
According to Girls Not Brides, the prevalence of child marriage in Yemen is tied to a number of factors, including deep-rooted cultural norms, poverty, and now, the war. Families, in an effort to survive or protect their daughters, are increasingly turning to early marriage, often as a way to secure dowries or ensure their daughters’ safety in an unstable environment.
The consequences of these unions are severe. Young girls subjected to child marriage face health risks such as early pregnancies, which can lead to complications during childbirth, and are often trapped in abusive relationships. The practice also deprives them of an education, further exacerbating poverty and limiting their future opportunities.
As highlighted in a report by UNFPA, the case of a 16-year-old mother in Yemen serves as a devastating example of how the war has pushed many girls into child marriage at a young age. For many girls in Yemen, marriage is not a choice—it is a survival mechanism dictated by the socio-economic realities they face.
Sexual violence in Yemen has become both a consequence of the ongoing conflict and a tool of war. The breakdown of law and order, combined with a lack of access to basic services, has led to an increase in sexual violence, particularly against women and girls. As noted in a report from the European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR), sexual violence is often used as a weapon by both warring factions to terrorize communities, disrupt social cohesion, and control the population.
Women and girls, already facing the brunt of the violence, are frequently victims of rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of abuse. In many cases, survivors of sexual violence are left without medical or psychological support, as Yemen’s healthcare system has collapsed under the weight of the conflict. Furthermore, cultural taboos and a lack of legal protections make it difficult for survivors to seek justice or even report their abuse.
The consequences of sexual violence are profound, often leading to lasting physical and psychological trauma for survivors, as well as a breakdown of community trust and resilience. In Yemen, where the rule of law is weak, many perpetrators remain unpunished, further perpetuating cycles of violence.
The rise in child marriage and sexual violence is not just a humanitarian crisis; it represents a long-term threat to the future stability and development of Yemen. As Girls Not Brides points out, child marriage severely limits girls’ access to education and economic opportunities, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. The psychological trauma and physical harm caused by both child marriage and sexual violence further hinder these girls from participating fully in their communities or contributing to society.
This widespread trauma also has a detrimental effect on the country’s future. A generation of girls deprived of education and subjected to early marriage and sexual violence will struggle to rebuild the country’s economy, infrastructure, and social fabric in the years to come. The societal damage from these practices may last long after the conflict ends.
The international community has a critical role to play in addressing these issues. Humanitarian organizations, governments, and international bodies must prioritize the protection of women and children in Yemen, providing not only emergency aid but also long-term solutions that address the root causes of child marriage and sexual violence.
As the Emerald Group Publishing article highlights, addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal reforms, education, community-based interventions, and robust healthcare services for survivors of violence. Supporting local organizations that work with communities to challenge harmful traditions and provide educational opportunities for girls is crucial for breaking the cycle of child marriage and sexual violence.
Furthermore, there must be greater efforts to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable. With the collapse of Yemen’s judicial system, international support is essential to ensure that survivors receive justice and that those responsible for crimes are prosecuted.
Yemen’s ongoing conflict has led to an unprecedented rise in sexual violence and child marriage, further deepening the suffering of women and children. As the war continues to disrupt lives, these issues threaten to undo decades of progress in the fight for gender equality and children’s rights. However, with concerted global action and a commitment to ending these abuses, there is hope for a future where Yemeni girls can grow up free from the threat of early marriage and violence. The international community must continue to support efforts to protect the rights of the most vulnerable, address the root causes of child marriage and sexual violence, and work toward a lasting peace that offers safety, dignity, and opportunity for all Yemenis.