UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) response to UK government announcement to cut aid to Syria

Joanna Rea, Director of Advocacy at the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said:

“Today’s announcement on UK aid cuts to Syria is of concern to the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK). After a decade of war, the situation for many children across the country has never been worse, with almost 90 per cent of Syrian children estimated to be completely dependent on humanitarian assistance while their families sink further into poverty.

“Across Syria, we are seeing resources depleted and dangerous levels of inflation – with the price of an average food basket having increased by over 230 percent. Food insecurity is at an all-time high, with more than half a million children under 5 in Syria suffering from chronic malnutrition. Millions of children are displaced, while 10,000 children have been killed or injured since the start of the conflict.

“Now is not the time to reel in a lifeline to some of the world’s most vulnerable children. It is critical that the UK Government resumes its significant funding commitments to Syria so organisations like UNICEF can continue delivering life-saving assistance to Syria’s children until peace arrives. Furthermore, the UK Government should urgently commit to reinstate spending 0.7% of national income on aid by 2022 at the latest to secure a better future for every child.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Murdoch, 0207 375 6179, [email protected]

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

 About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

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