Statement Attributable to Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director, on the Children of Aleppo

NEW YORK (December 13, 2016) – “As violence continues to escalate in Aleppo today, thousands of children are suffering in silence, and coming under brutal attack as the world watches. 

“It is time for the world to stand up for the children of Aleppo and bring their living nightmare to an end.

“According to alarming reports from a doctor in the city, many children, possibly more than 100, unaccompanied or separated from their families, are trapped in a building, under heavy attack in east Aleppo.

“We urge all parties to the conflict to allow the safe and immediate evacuation of all children. Unaccompanied and separated children have the right to be registered by a neutral humanitarian organization and be reunified with their families - wherever they may be. 

"UNICEF is deeply concerned by unverified reports of extra judicial killings of civilians including children and reminds all parties of their responsibilities under international law.

“UNICEF calls on all warring parties to immediately reach a truce in Aleppo and allow humanitarian organizations to deliver urgent assistance to families and children in need wherever they are, and without conditions. 

“Civilians who wish to leave east Aleppo must be allowed to do so in safety and in dignity. 

“UNICEF’s team in Aleppo and stands ready to provide assistance, including facilitating the evacuation of children. 

“The children of Aleppo are our responsibility and must be helped now. There are no more excuses.”

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