Up to 30 children reportedly killed in eastern Syria

Statement by Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

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Up to 30 children reportedly killed in eastern Syria

16 November 2018 – “UNICEF is alarmed by recent reports of up to 30 children who have been killed in recent violence in Al Shafa village, in eastern Syria.

“These reported killings demonstrate that the war on children is far from over in Syria.

“In almost eight years of war, the fundamental principle of protection of children has been completely disregarded, with disastrous consequences for children everywhere in Syria.

“Between January and September 2018, the United Nations has verified the killing of 870 children – the highest number ever in the first nine months of any year since the start of the conflict in 2011. These are only verified cases, with actual numbers likely to be much higher.

“UNICEF calls on warring parties to protect all children – no matter where they are in Syria and no matter whose control they live under.”

ENDS 

For more information, please contact: 

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

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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. 

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