Statement attributable to Hanaa Singer, UNICEF representative in Syria on the killings of children at a kindergarten in Harasta, Rural Damascus

06 November 2016

DAMASCUS, 6 November 2016 - “A kindergarten was reportedly hit in an attack today in the town of Harasta, in Rural Damascus, a few kilometres from the capital, killing at least four children and injuring many more.

“This attack is the most recent in a wave of attacks on schools and education facilities in Syria. In the last two weeks of October, UNICEF was able to verify five attacks on schools killing more than 30 children.

“In a separate attack today near Harasta, a hospital was reportedly struck killing one person and injuring many more.

“UNICEF renews yet again its call for all parties to the conflict in Syria and those who have influence over them to make the protection of children paramount and to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law. Attacks on all civilian infrastructure including schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, education and health facilities must stop immediately.”

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