At least five children and two aid workers killed in a renewed wave of violence in north west Syria

AMMAN, 5 November 2020- “In the last week, at least five children were reported killed in northwest Syria, including four in the past two days alone. Four-year-old Rimas was killed while on her way to school. Meanwhile, two aid workers – partners of UNICEF – were killed while heading to a UNICEF-supported child friendly space where children can play and rest. We also received reports that a school came under attack.

“Until March this year, the northwest of Syria was one of the most dangerous places in the world for children. From January to March of this year, 273 children were killed and 236 were injured because of the extreme violence. This is the highest number of child casualties in a single quarter since the war began. The northwest of Syria is home to at least 1.2 million children in need, many of whom have been displaced multiple times by violence in other parts of Syria.

“This past Spring, UNICEF welcomed the lull in violence in the northwest following the United Nations Secretary General’s call for a global ceasefire . We cannot return to the cycle of violence Syria witnessed earlier. A resumption of violence will only breed more violence. UNICEF urges parties to the conflict in Syria and those with influence over them to abide by the ceasefire and refrain from renewing violence.

“It has been nearly 10 years into one of the most horrific wars in recent history with immense suffering for civilians, among them millions of children. It is long overdue that guns fall silent for the sake of every child in Syria. There is no military solution for the war in Syria. The way to end the war is through diplomatic and political channels.”

###

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK.

For more information please visit unicef.org.uk

Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Murdoch, 0207 375 6179, [email protected]

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]