Statement Attributable to Hanaa Singer, UNICEF Representative in Syria on the Killings of Children at a Kindergarten in Harasta, Rural Damascus

NEW YORK (November 6, 2016) – “A kindergarten was reportedly hit in an attack today in the town of Harasta, in Rural Damascus, a few kilometers from the capital, killing at least four children and injuring many more.

“This attack is the most recent in a wave of attacks on schools and education facilities in Syria. In the last two weeks of October, UNICEF was able to verify five attacks on schools killing more than 30 children.

“In a separate attack today near Harasta, a hospital was reportedly struck killing one person and injuring many more.

“UNICEF renews yet again its call for all parties to the conflict in Syria and those who have influence over them to make the protection of children paramount and to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law. Attacks on all civilian infrastructure including schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, education and health facilities must stop immediately.”

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