The Iran-backed Houthi rebels are using 700 schools in their controlled areas of Yemen as centers for child soldier recruitment and weapons training, according to a report released by Mayyun for Human Rights on February 13, coinciding with the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. Barran Press obtained a copy of the report.

Mayyun's report details a significant increase in child soldier recruitment in Yemen by the end of 2024, highlighting the Houthis' systematic recruitment practices that deprive children of education and expose them to death and injury.
The organization emphasized that these violations constitute a breach of international law, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
 Despite a relative de-escalation of the conflict since October 2022, child recruitment persists, representing a dangerous trend in the ongoing conflict since 2014.

Mayyun warned that military escalation, deteriorating economic conditions, and rising school dropout rates are exacerbating the risk of child recruitment.  The organization called for urgent action to combat this practice, protect and promote children's rights, and coordinate regional and international efforts to prevent children's involvement in hostilities.