AMMAN, Dec. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - "This morning, all 47 children trapped in an orphanage in east Aleppo were evacuated to safety, with some in critical condition from injuries and dehydration.
"The evacuation of these orphans, along with thousands of other children from east Aleppo in the past days is a glimmer of hope amid a grim reality for the children of Syria. Their safe departure is a testimony to the relentless efforts of humanitarians on the ground, working around the clock for children and their families.
"UNICEF and partners are assisting in reunifying recently evacuated children with their families and in providing them with urgently needed medical care and winter clothes.
"Many vulnerable children – including other orphans and children separated from their families – still remain in east Aleppo and need immediate protection. UNICEF reminds all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children, wherever they may be.
"The conflict in Syria is nearing its sixth year. It has uprooted millions, separated families and deprived children of the very basics for survival - and their childhood.
"We call on all parties to the conflict to strive for an immediate political solution to this war. The lives of millions more children depend on it."
UNICEF Canada issues urgent appeal for donations to Syrian crisis:
Mr. Cappelaere's statement comes as UNICEF Canada issues an urgent appeal to Canadians for donations to the Syrian crisis. The agency has more than 200 staff inside Syria responding to this crisis, along with a regional response that is reaching millions of the most vulnerable children and families in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
Inside Syria, as people continue to flee the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo, UNICEF is on the ground working to reach these displaced children and families with the life-saving supplies they need to survive the brutal winter. Some children have lost or become separated from their families, leaving them even more vulnerable.
UNICEF is calling on Canadians to donate at unicef.ca/Syria
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
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...
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