UNICEF Executive Director on Qana
NEW YORK, 30 July 2006 – The attacks today in Qana are dramatic evidence that children are once again paying the price of war.
We strongly condemn the continued targeting of civilians, particularly children. We urge all parties to heed the call of Secretary-General Annan for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We urgently need the establishment of clear arrangements for full access and safe conduct of humanitarian relief operations to:
• Relocate the children, the wounded, the disabled, and the elderly who have not been able to escape the fighting in the worst war zones.
• Re-supply hospitals and health centers, particularly in the South, with emergency medical relief items and fuel for generators to avoid a complete breakdown of public health facilities caring for the thousands of wounded.
• Provide water and sanitation facilities, food, and other basic supplies to the tens of thousands of displaced who are seeking shelter in public buildings in the conflict zones.
• Establish an emergency communication system to vulnerable communities allowing us to address acute needs urgently where and when they arise.
We are also deeply concerned by today's demonstrations at UN premises in Beirut which caused significant damage to the offices and forced UN employees to take refuge. UN humanitarian workers are providing assistance to those suffering in this conflict, especially the children. Their safety and security are of utmost importance
