Yemen is experiencing a suffocating humanitarian crisis that significantly impacts the lives of children, depriving them of their basic rights. Amidst this harsh reality, the story of Mohammed Al-Dhubaibi, the brave and resilient child, sheds light on the profound impact of harsh conditions on children deprived of their rights in Yemen. Mohammed works as a vendor of sesame seed candy (Known locally as mujaljal: a famous traditional Yemeni dessert) in the 'Hizyaz' area, southeast of the capital Sana'a, to provide for his family's living expenses and his education fees.
"I aspire to become a petroleum engineer," with these words Mohammed Al-Dhubaibi (11 years old) expresses to "Khuyut," a dream that occupies his thoughts every day, aiming to be an honest guardian of Yemen's oil. Despite the challenges he faces, Mohammed diligently continues his work as a vendor of sesame candy (mujaljal) with a smile and enthusiasm, ensuring to serve his customers cheerfully, selling each piece for around 100 riyals.
Mohammed, akin to many other children in Yemen, should be in school, nurtured by a caring family that meets his needs. However, the harsh realities stemming from the war and conflict in Yemen since 2015 have led to an alarming rise in child labor, exacerbating societal challenges and triggering the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
On the other hand, Yemen is also one of the most affected Arab countries due to the ongoing war and conflicts. The long-lasting impact of this crisis on children cannot be ignored, as many of them live in harsh conditions, exposed to violence, hunger, malnutrition, and diseases. Besides, childhood in Yemen lacks sufficient healthcare, proper education, and protection from exploitation and violence.
“The story of "Mohammed Al-Dhubaibi" serves as a model representing many children in Yemen who suffer from poverty and multiple threats, including lack of access to education, healthcare, inadequate nutrition, child rights abuse, violence, and exploitation.”
Every day, Mohammed, the itinerant vendor, faces the hardships of work under the scorching sun. However, he employs his unique style to bring some joy to himself and others. He carries a small tray filled with sesame seed candy (mujaljal) and wanders through alleys and streets, singing melodies that help him attract the attention of both children and adults alike, enticing them to buy from him.
The recent economic shocks, political disruptions, conflicts, and war have exacerbated child labor levels beyond previous rates. They have also reversed the progress that Yemen, like other Arab countries, had made in combating child labor through its anti-child labor policies.
Struggle for Survival
The child Mohammed Al-Dhubaibi works in selling mujaljal, while his 15-year-old brother, Ya'qoub, works in the vegetable market every day, supporting a family of eleven members. Their father, Abdullah Al-Dhubaibi (47 years old), says to "Khuyut": "I live with my wife and seven of my children, alongside Mohammed, in a small house that shelters us. Unfortunately, we are forced to make Mohammed work at this age when he should be in school to follow up on all his lessons."
Mohammed faces great challenges in selling his product and earning the meager income he gets. He is forced to work long hours in difficult conditions and hot weather, exposing himself to risk and fatigue.
In this regard, social researcher Sameer Al-Mansouri, in his interview with "Khuyut," believes that individuals like Mohammed epitomize the reality of many children in Yemen, who live in harsh conditions and face immense challenges. He calls upon the international community and Yemeni authorities to improve their conditions and ensure children's rights in the country. Furthermore, he stresses the necessity for collective efforts to create a safe and sustainable environment that enables children to grow and develop in a healthy and stable manner.
In this respect, "Khuyut" had previously published an investigation revealing how deeply the conflict impacts Yemen, sparing not even a single child. The horrific violence in recent years, combined with rising poverty levels and decades of conflicts, neglect, and deprivation, imposes a significant burden on Yemeni society, tearing apart its social fabric, which is essential for any community. This is especially true for children who bear the increasing severity of war's consequences, often being pushed into the labor market and engaging in strenuous and unsuitable jobs inappropriate for their age.
Exacerbation of Children's Suffering
The child Mohammed gained fame as 'the Vendor of Mujaljal' on social media platforms, becoming the talk of the town as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His impact transcends mere symbolism, serving as a source of inspiration for many who are overwhelmed by living conditions in the country. The story of the 'mujaljal vendor' also resonates with adults, as people see in his resilience and cheerful spirit a sign of the necessity of hope and optimism in in the face of difficult challenges.
The story of the 'sesame candy seller' is not just an ordinary business narrative; rather, it is a human story that speaks of inner strength, determination, and the ability to bring joy in the face of adversity and harsh circumstances. This child, akin to many others, deals with numerous challenges such as poverty, deprivation, and homelessness. However, he steadfastly refuses to let these obstacles hinder the realization of his dreams and desire to make a positive change in his life and his family's life.
Ahmed Al-Suhaili, a human rights activist, considers in this context, according to his statement to "Khuyut," that the story of "Mohammed Al-Dhubaibi" serves as a model representing many children in Yemen who suffer from poverty and multiple threats, including lack of access to education, healthcare, inadequate nutrition, child rights abuse, violence, and exploitation.
Moreover, the sesame candy seller has also become a subject of interest for local media outlets and has spread across various platforms. Additionally, Mohammed has been honored through donation campaigns aimed at helping him achieve his dreams and develop his business.
According to Al- Suhaili, Yemen requires joint efforts from the government and the international community to address the child rights crisis in the country. The government must work on improving infrastructure and providing essential services for children, including education, healthcare, and protection.
