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Press CentreBriefing note25 March 2003: What UNICEF said at the UN briefing"UNICEF is working to get vital water tankers into Basra to improve the situation for the city's children." Briefing by Geoff Keele, UNICEF Communication Officer, IRAQ
UNICEF today expressed renewed concern for children caught up in the war in Iraq and urged parties to the conflict to ensure civilians are being adequately protected, both from battle, and from the serious health risks brought about by damage to basic services. In a statement issued today UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said, "UNICEF is deeply troubled by the deteriorating conditions for children in the areas most impacted by military operations. "The last few days have raised real concern for the welfare of civilians caught in the conflict, especially children." UNICEF said the situation in the southern city of Basra - the second largest city in Iraq - is of particular concern. UNICEF is working to get vital water tankers into Basra to improve the situation for the city's children. "Electricity has been knocked out, interrupting the water supply, and that puts people at risk of disease from unsafe water," Bellamy warned. Bellamy emphasized that this is exactly the kind of scenario UNICEF had warned of prior to the war. In Baghdad, UNICEF staff continue to work to overhaul and maintain city water facilities. Immediately prior to the conflict, UNICEF made sure that backup generators were working at 73 facilities so that water would still be available even if electricity were lost. The UNICEF chief urged the parties to the conflict to put more focus on the humanitarian impact of the war. "We're very concerned about reports of deaths and injuries among children and women," Bellamy said. "Such losses are tragic, and they are unacceptable. But the truth is the world does not have a very clear picture of the humanitarian impact of the fighting. There is a disturbing lack of focus on the civilian population." Bellamy once again urged the parties to abide by their humanitarian obligations under international law. "I urge the parties to this conflict to make the safety of children a priority," she said. "I urge them to do all in their power to protect children's lives, their health, and their general well-being." ### For further information please contact us:. Geoffrey Keele, UNICEF Iraq:
gkeele@unicef.org For interviews in the region, write or call directly to the UNICEF NewsDesk in Amman: (962-79) 50422058 •
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