Statement Attributable to Hanaa Singer, UNICEF Representative in Syria, on Attack on a School in Daraa

NEW YORK (October 12, 2016) – “UNICEF deplores yesterday’s attack on the “That al-Netaqeen” primary school in the city of Daraa which killed five school children, aged between four and 16, and left 15 other children injured. The conflict in Syria has plummeted to such lows that children are now risking their lives just to attend school.

“The school yard was hit at the end of an outdoor sports session.

“This attack comes just a few weeks after the start of the school year and amid escalating violence across the country.  On top of their daily misery, even the right to learn and play is taken away from children in Syria.

“Death and injury of children in Syria has become a daily reality. The killing must stop.

“UNICEF reiterates its calls to all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect children and schools.”

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