Statement By UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore On The Latest Developments In Syria

NEW YORK (October 10, 2019) – “UNICEF is greatly concerned by the latest developments in northeast Syria. I urge all parties to protect children and the civilian infrastructure on which they depend, in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas causes unacceptable harm to children.

“A military escalation in northeast Syria would have dramatic consequences on the ability of humanitarian actors to provide assistance and protection to thousands of vulnerable children.

“As we said time and time again, the only solution to this conflict is through political means. All parties must exercise maximum restraint in the use of force.”

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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
Gabby Arias, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1306, garias@unicefusa.org