Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Syria

NEW YORK (February 22, 2016) – For Syria’s children, today’s agreement on the terms of a cessation of hostilities is welcome news after five years of brutal conflict. UNICEF welcomes this diplomatic progress.  Now it must be matched by action. Action to end the violence and destruction. Action by all parties to the conflict to permit unlimited and unconditional access to reach all children and families with desperately needed humanitarian assistance, including food, water, vaccinations and medical supplies. And action to permit children to return to school and a normal childhood. 

If implemented, a cessation of hostilities represents an opportunity to begin the work of repairing a country that has suffered far too much for far too long – and to reach the children who are Syria’s future.

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