Children And Teachers Killed As Schools And Kindergartens Attacked In Idlib

NEW YORK (February 27, 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."
 

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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, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA 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
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2480, evogel@unicefusa.org
Gabby Arias, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1306, garias@unicefusa.org