Statement by Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director, on attack in Garowe, Somalia
ROME/NEW YORK, 20 APRIL 2015 - “The horrific attack on our UNICEF colleagues today in northern Somalia is an assault not only on them but on the people they served. Our immediate thoughts are with the families of the four staff members who were killed and with those who were injured. All of us at UNICEF are deeply saddened, and deeply angered.
“Our colleagues dedicated their lives to working for the children of Somalia. They are not victims. They and those who were wounded are heroes. We mourn their loss and hope for the full recovery of the injured.
“Our continuing work for the most vulnerable children and their families in Somalia will be a fitting tribute to those we have lost.”
For more information, please contact:
James Elder, Regional Chief of Communication, UNICEF, Nairobi
Mobile +254 715 581 222 Email: jelder@unicef.org
Edward Carwardine, Deputy Director of Communication, UNICEF, New York.
Mobile +1 917 310 8969 ecarwardine@unicef.org
Media contacts
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
UNICEF has been working in Somalia since 1972 when its first office opened in Mogadishu. Today UNICEF has over 300 staff working in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dollow, Garowe, Hargeisa and also Nairobi, Kenya. Together with 200 international and national NGOs and community-based organizations, UNICEF delivers services in Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education and Child Protection, and responds to emergencies and supports peace-building and development.
