Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore on the situation in Venezuela
2 May 2019 – “At least 15 children between the ages of 14 and 17 have been injured during street protests in Venezuela yesterday, according to preliminary reports received by UNICEF.
“Potentially violent street protests in Venezuela are exposing children and young people to injury and harm. I urge all those involved to take immediate measures to protect children from any type of violence.
“UNICEF’s humanitarian work in Venezuela seeks to meet the basic needs of children and families. UNICEF and partners are providing vaccines, antimalarial treatment, midwifery kits and vitamin and mineral supplements. To help children cope with the stress of violence, UNICEF has set up child friendly spaces in Caracas, Zulia and other locations across the country.
“In addition, UNICEF is providing safe drinking water and hygiene supplies, and educational and recreational materials for students.
“UNICEF echoes the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for all sides to exercise maximum restraint. The children and young people in Venezuela should be able to enjoy their rights to health, education, protection and participation safely and at all times.”
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
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