Violence, displacement and harsh conditions in Syria kill over 30 children since December – Unicef
Violence, displacement and extremely harsh conditions in northern and eastern Syria have killed at least 32 children since December – including 11 infants in the past two days, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In eastern Syria, persistent fighting around Hajin has forced thousands on a long, arduous journey almost 300 km to the north for internally displaced people.
“The difficult journey, cold weather and long waiting periods at screening centers, where families wait sometimes for days, have reportedly contributed to the death of at least 29 children – including 11 infants in the past two days alone”, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement.
She explained that UNICEF is assisting the fleeing children and mothers at the camp with blankets, winter clothing, food, water, health and nutrition services, child-friendly spaces and child protection and family reunification services. However, the “lack of security has made humanitarian access to children en route to the camp’s screening area all but impossible”, she continued.