AMMAN, JO, Dec. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - "As violence continues to escalate in Aleppo today, thousands of children are suffering in silence, and coming under brutal attack as the world watches.
"It is time for the world to stand up for the children of Aleppo and bring their living nightmare to an end.
"According to alarming reports from a doctor in the city, many children, possibly more than 100, unaccompanied or separated from their families, are trapped in a building, under heavy attack in east Aleppo.
"We urge all parties to the conflict to allow the safe and immediate evacuation of all children. Unaccompanied and separated children have the right to be registered by a neutral humanitarian organization and be reunified with their families - wherever they may be.
"UNICEF is deeply concerned by unverified reports of extra judicial killings of civilians including children and remind all parties of their responsibilities under international law.
"UNICEF calls on all warring parties to immediately reach a truce in Aleppo and allow humanitarian organizations to deliver urgent assistance to families and children in need wherever they are, and without conditions.
"Civilians who wish to leave east Aleppo must be allowed to do so in safety and in dignity.
"UNICEF's team in Aleppo and stands ready to provide assistance, including facilitating the evacuation of children.
"The children of Aleppo are our responsibility and must be helped now. There are no more excuses."
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
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...
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