In Syria, large parts of the country and the city of Damascus have been occupied by the Islamists, according to media reports. Just earlier this month, due to the escalation of hostilities in northwest Syria, in which at least seven children were reportedly tragically killed and 32 others injured, UNICEF urgently called on all parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law and to protect civilians, especially children to give priority.
“It is always the children who suffer the most from conflicts. Almost 14 years of civil war have already had catastrophic effects on the country’s children. A generation that knows nothing other than violence, flight and fear,” said Christoph Jünger, Managing Director of UNICEF Austria.
Since November 27, more than 48,500 people have been displaced, mostly children and women. Most of the children have been displaced several times due to previous crises.
Last year, over half of UNICEF’s thematic humanitarian funding went to just four emergencies – one of which was Syria. Even before the events of the last few hours, UNICEF needs $68.2 million to continue its assistance to children in Syria and to meet the most urgent needs of the displaced population.
“I am very worried about the children in Syria. The girls and boys, who are already in an extremely difficult situation, must be particularly protected from violence and expulsion!” says Christoph Jünger.
More information about UNICEF’s work in Syria can be found at unicef.at/syrien. We ask for your support Emergency aid Syria.
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