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East Ghouta, another reminder that there is no respite from nightmare for children in Syria - UNICEF
Publication Date: 2018/02/08
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore
NEW YORK, 8 February 2018 – “This week, dozens of children have reportedly been killed and many more injured by extreme and intensifying violence in several parts of Syria.
“The violence shows no sign of abating.
“In East Ghouta alone, hundreds of children are in urgent need of medical evacuation. Four years of siege have crumbled health and other basic services critical to children’s survival and growth. Over the past few months, malnutrition has increased five-fold.
“For children who remain trapped under siege and under wanton, heavy violence across Syria, life is a living nightmare. They are struggling just to stay alive.
“I am heartbroken by what the children of Syria continue to suffer because of actions taken by adults — actions that show total disregard for the protection, safety and wellbeing of children.
“UNICEF joins calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria. Protection of children must be paramount at all times. Schools, hospitals and playgrounds should be places of safety, never targets.
“Children, wherever they are in Syria, must have access to healthcare. The evacuation of sick and wounded children from besieged areas should be a given, not part of bargaining efforts.”
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Notes for editors:
Photo and video assets available here: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AM4080EBUGC
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