Two suicides, including a minor, reported in Houthi-controlled Rida district

Two separate incidents of suicide, one involving a 14-year-old boy, have occurred within 24 hours in the Rida district of Amran province, an area under Houthi militia control. The tragedies are suspected to be linked to domestic violence and the psychological and economic pressures prevalent in Houthi-controlled territories.

Local sources reported that the child, Alaa El-Din Sam Al-Ashwal, a resident of the village of Sarbat in Rida district, died by suicide using a firearm. This act followed severe psychological distress after being subjected to his father's abuse. The abuse reportedly stemmed from damage sustained by a family motorcycle in a traffic accident while the child was using it.

The incidents have caused widespread grief and dismay among residents. There are growing calls for enhanced child protection measures and a reduction in domestic violence, the repercussions of which are escalating amidst deteriorating economic and social conditions.

In a separate case, citizen Ali Mohsen Al-Wa'ali reportedly hanged himself in the Rida district. Authorities suspect that harsh living conditions and severe economic pressures were contributing factors to his death.

Social experts suggest that the exacerbation of economic and psychological pressures due to the ongoing conflict, initiated by the Houthi militia's armed coup, has contributed to a rise in violence and suicide rates within families. They emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of kindness towards children, providing safe family environments, and strengthening psychological and social support for children to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

Previously, the Yemeni Women Empowerment Foundation revealed a disturbing increase in suicide rates over the past decade, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas, indicating a severe collapse of the psychological and social support system in the country. The report stated that Yemen registers over 1,660 suicides annually, with an average of 5.2 cases per 100,000 population. An estimated 13,000 to 16,000 cases have occurred in the last ten years, predominantly in the governorates of Ibb, Taiz, Sana'a, and Dhamar.

The report further indicated that 78% of these cases occurred in Houthi-controlled regions, attributed to oppression, poverty, and hopelessness. Additionally, cyber and emotional blackmail were identified as causes in at least 22% of suicides among women and girls, a critical indicator according to the foundation. Amran province and other Houthi-controlled areas, plagued by insecurity and crime, are witnessing a concerning surge in suicides, especially among youth and adolescents. This phenomenon has prompted societal demands for thorough investigation, discussion of its causes, and the implementation of remedial measures to curb its escalation.