Almost Half of Mosul’s Children Cut Off from Clean Water as Fighting Intensifies

NEW YORK (November 30, 2016) – Almost half of all the children in Mosul and their families have reportedly been cut off from access to clean water after a major water pipeline was destroyed amid the ongoing conflict.

The break in the pipeline -- one of three major water conduits serving civilians in eastern Mosul -- is located in parts of the city still held by the so-called Islamic State (ISIL), making it impossible to repair quickly.

“Children and their families in Mosul are facing a horrific situation. Not only are they in danger of getting killed or injured in the cross fire, now potentially more than half a million people do not have safe water to drink,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Iraq.

The Iraqi authorities are currently trucking water from some 35 kilometers away into eastern Mosul, but this supply is not enough to meet the needs of residents.

Unless running water is restored in the next days, civilians will be forced to resort to unsafe water sources, exposing children to the risk of waterborne diseases such as severe diarrhea and the threat of malnutrition. Children in affected areas are already strained from years of extremely harsh living conditions.

UNICEF is supporting the Government of Iraq to reactivate nearby boreholes and water treatment plants to rapidly provide water to the affected areas in southern Mosul and the southwestern side of the newly retaken areas until the main water line becomes accessible for repairs.

“UNICEF urges all parties to the conflict to allow these critical deliveries and repairs. Civilian infrastructure must never be attacked,” said Hawkins.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org