Statement attributable to Hanaa Singer, UNICEF Representative in Syria on child casualties

DAMASCUS, Syria, Sept. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - UNICEF is horrified over reports of mortar attacks yesterday on Aleppo which killed at least 19 children including six in a UNICEF-supported, child friendly space run by Al-Ihsan NGO. Hanaa Singer, UNICEF Representative in Syria had the following statement:

"Child friendly spaces enable children to play and reconnect with their childhood, and forget, even if for a short time, about the horrors of war. They must never be targeted.

This reprehensible attack shows that even the simple act of children playing is dangerous in Syria.

In recent weeks several indiscriminate attacks causing the death and injury of children have been reported, including by car bombs and air strikes in civilian populated areas leading to the death and injury of scores of children.

These attacks highlight a blatant disregard for the laws of war. They are a stark reminder that nowhere in Syria is safe for children.

UNICEF calls on all parties to conflict in Syria to immediately halt attacks on civilian establishments and the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons on civilian populated areas in accordance with international humanitarian law. All civilians including children must be protected at all times."

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

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