- Spokespeople available for interview on impact of attacks on children and families in Idlib
- Photos and b-roll available here
27 February 2020 – “Once again we are shocked at a wave of unrelenting violence that saw at least nine children and three teachers killed as 10 schools and kindergartens came under attack yesterday in Idlib, in the northwest of Syria.
“At least four of the schools were supported by UNICEF’s partners. There are reports that as many as 40 women and children were injured in these attacks.
“These attacks come at a time when increased violence in the north of Syria has forced more than half a million children to flee. Nearly 280,000 children have had their education interrupted as a result. At least 180 schools in the area are non-operational, because they were damaged, destroyed or are sheltering displaced families.
“We strongly condemn the killing and maiming of children. Schools and other education facilities are a sanctuary for children. Attacking them is a grave violation of children’s rights.
“All parties to the conflict in Syria must protect children and stop attacks on civilian facilities that provide for them, including schools.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Murdoch, 0207 375 6179, [email protected]
Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]
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