BAGHDAD, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Almost half of all the children in Mosul and their families have reportedly been cut off from access to clean water after a major water pipeline was destroyed amid the ongoing conflict.
The break in the pipeline - one of three major water conduits serving civilians in eastern Mosul - is located in parts of the city still held by the so-called Islamic State (ISIL), making it impossible to repair quickly.
"Children and their families in Mosul are facing a horrific situation. Not only are they in danger of getting killed or injured in the cross fire, now potentially more than half a million people do not have safe water to drink," said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Iraq.
The Iraqi authorities are currently trucking water from some 35 kilometers away into eastern Mosul, but this supply is not enough to meet the needs of residents.
Unless running water is restored in the next days, civilians will be forced to resort to unsafe water sources, exposing children to the risk of waterborne diseases such as severe diarrhea and the threat of malnutrition. Children in affected areas are already strained from years of extremely harsh living conditions.
UNICEF is supporting the Government of Iraq to reactivate nearby boreholes and water treatment plants to rapidly provide water to the affected areas in southern Mosul and the southwestern side of the newly retaken areas until the main water line becomes accessible for repairs.
"UNICEF urges all parties to the conflict to allow these critical deliveries and repairs. Civilian infrastructure must never be attacked," said Hawkins.
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.
UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.
SOURCE UNICEF Canada
Image with caption: "A newly displaced woman carries a child at a check point in Qayyara, south of Mosul. © UNICEF/UN040095/Romenzi (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161130_C6664_PHOTO_EN_828410.jpg
To arrange interviews or for more information please contact: Stefanie Carmichael, UNICEF Canada, 416-482-6552 ext. 8866, 437-345-6324 (mobile), [email protected]
UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach...
Share this article