Children in Syria Continue to Pay the Heaviest Price of a War Not of Their Making

NEW YORK (June 11, 2018) – “UNICEF received reports that at least 13 children were killed in the past days in Syria.

“An attack allegedly hit the village of Zardana in the northwestern governorate of Idlib killing nine children. Idlib is home to nearly 1 million children, many of them displaced from other parts of the country. With nowhere left to go, families have sought refuge in collective shelters and schools.

“Four children were reportedly killed in heavy violence in the two besieged villages of Foua and Kafraya - also in Idlib. Meanwhile, the town of Bou Kamal bordering Iraq has seen intense violence.

“These are deeply sad reminders that the war on children in Syria is far from over. The fundamental principle of protecting children everywhere and at all times is still a far-fetched dream for far too many families.

“The past seven years of war in Syria have shown that violence only fuels more violence, hatred and vengeance - and further fragmentation of a society torn apart. Since 2011, when the conflict began, nearly 6 million children were uprooted from their homes.

“There are no victors in any war on children. Everyone is losing with the biggest loss for children and the future of Syria.

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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