22 July 2017 –  Statement attributable to Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

“The worst of the violence in Mosul may be over but for too many children in Mosul and in the region, extreme suffering continues.

“Children in shock continue to be found, some reportedly among the debris or hidden in tunnels in Mosul. Some children have lost their families while fleeing to safety. According to reports, families have been forced to abandon their children or give them away, they are now living in fear, alone. Many children have been forced to fight and some to carry out acts of extreme violence.

“These are horrific times for far too many children in Iraq and other conflict-affected countries in the region. Violence and conflicts are putting the lives and futures of nearly 27 million children* at risk.

“In the north-eastern city of Ar-Raqqa in Syria, violence has further intensified over the past weeks, with children repeatedly coming under attack. Between 30,000 to 50,000 civilians continue to be trapped in the city as heavy violence continues around them. Families have described horrific conditions and journeys fraught with danger, sniper fire, landmines and unexploded remnants of war.

“These horrors are not over even if children escape from immediate danger. They are being detained, abused and stigmatized for perceived affiliations, while tensions are high between and within communities.
“Those children who are alone need our support to help them find their families, be reunited and surrounded with care, protection and services, regardless of their family’s origin or affiliation. As with any other child in the world, they have the right to be safeguarded, including through legal documentation. Children are children!

“The time to act is now. How can we build a more stable and prosperous future for all while children are exposed to such horrors and treated this way?

-Ends-

*Refers to children affected by violence in Yemen, inside Syria and refugee hosting countries, the State of Palestine, Iraq, Libya and Sudan.

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