Yemeni Law Ratifying the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

In 1991, the Yemeni government adopted a law ratifying the International Convention of Rights of the Child (CRC). The law is the primary foundational framework for child rights in Yemen. By ratifying the CRC, Yemen aligned its domestic legal framework with international standards of child rights, including the minimum age of a child (a child is anyone under 18 years old). Furthermore, the CRC emphasizes the importance of protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and harm and places high importance on children’s recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration, all of which are cornerstones of the ‘Children and Armed Conflict’ agenda.

However, Yemen has faces serious obstacles in implementing this law. In Yemen, there is a high prevalence of tribal and social norms that directly contradict the norms articulated in the CRC. Moreover, armed conflict in Yemen has undermined the country’s legal infrastructure. Armed hostilities in the country have led to widespread displacement, poverty, and destruction of health and education facilities, undermining the feasibility of implementing CRC.