Up to 30 children reportedly killed in eastern Syria

Statement attributable to Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

16 November 2018

DAMASCUS/AMMAN, 16 November 2018 – “UNICEF is alarmed by recent reports of up to 30 children who have been killed in recent violence in Al Shafa village, in eastern Syria.

“These reported killings demonstrate that the war on children is far from over in Syria.

“In almost eight years of war, the fundamental principle of protection of children has been completely disregarded, with disastrous consequences for children everywhere in Syria.

“Between January and September 2018, the United Nations has verified the killing of 870 children – the highest number ever in the first nine months of any year since the start of the conflict in 2011. These are only verified cases, with actual numbers likely to be much higher.

“UNICEF calls on warring parties to protect all children – no matter where they are in Syria and no matter whose control they live under.”

Media contacts

Tamara Kummer
UNICEF MENA Regional Office
Tel: +962 797 588 550
Joe English
UNICEF New York
Tel: +1 917 893 0692

Additional resources

On 15 March 2018 in Beit Sawa, eastern Ghouta, boy on crutches walks towards Hamourieh where an evacuation exit from eastern Ghouta has been opened.
On 15 March 2018 in Beit Sawa, eastern Ghouta. a boy on crutches walks towards Hamourieh where an evacuation exit from eastern Ghouta has been opened.

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