Little Mix star partners with Unicef to learn about Yemen conflict

Mar 25, 2021

Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall has teamed up with Unicef to learn more about the ongoing war in Yemen.

Thirlwall has Yemeni heritage, with the singer’s grandfather moving to the north east of England from the country in 1943.

The Little Mix star has met with Somaya, 17, who is from Yemen, and talked about life in the country for young women, the civil war in the Middle Eastern nation and the work of Unicef there.

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The South Shields singer said: “It was a pleasure to speak to Somaya and I am grateful to Unicef UK for giving us the opportunity to have such a special conversation.

“It is so important to hear from the people who are impacted by the conflict in Yemen and Somaya is the perfect example of a determined, remarkable young woman doing all she can to give a voice to the children who have been impacted.

“The coronavirus pandemic has showed us that now, more than ever, we need to care for each other.

“Somaya’s wish for a future where every child can fulfil their dreams and potential was inspirational, and I am honoured to use my platform to amplify her story.”

Somaya said: “I hope that the war and coronavirus will end soon so we can return to our normal lives.

“I hope that kids in the future will not suffer like we do, and peace will find its way back. That is my hope for Yemen.

“We sometimes lose hope, but I know things will get better and I am grateful for what I do have.

“I am in my last year of school and lucky to have the opportunity to get an education, while many other girls in Yemen enter early marriages or are made to stay at home.”

Yemen’s civil war began when Iran-aligned rebels sparked an uprising in the north and centre of the country in 2014, toppling the internationally-recognised government in the capital of Sanaa.

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