UNICEF leads convoy into Mosul city with emergency supplies for 15,000 children

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BAGHDAD, Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - A UNICEF-led multi-agency humanitarian convoy was on Sunday the first to enter the Iraqi city of Mosul together with WFP and UNFPA.

"UNICEF has entered Mosul city for the first time in over two years," said UNICEF Iraq Deputy Representative Hamida Ramadhani.

"Our teams are moving quickly to provide immediate support to communities affected by the fighting."

A 14-vehicle convoy including eight cargo trucks filled with aid, arrived in the Gogachly neighbourhood in eastern Mosul at around 9.30 in the morning.

The trucks were filled with enough emergency supplies to last 15,000 children and their families -- a total of 30,000 people -- for a month.

Supplies included 5,000 kits of water purification tablets, high energy biscuits, jerry cans, buckets, hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and baby supplies, including diapers.

The distribution was completed in six hours despite nearby artillery fire and explosions that sounded almost constantly during the day.

More than 27,000 children and their families, totalling 56,000 people have been displaced to date from in and around Mosul since October 17 – and up to 1.5 million remain trapped inside the city, 600,000 of them children.

UNICEF has reached more than 30,000 children with needed assistance in re-taken communities including in eastern Mosul City since 17 October.

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: "Workers load emergency supplies for 15,000 children onto a truck as part of a UNICEF-led humanitarian convoy into Mosul city. Up to 1.5 million people remain trapped inside the city, including 600,000 children. UNICEF Iraq/2016/Niles (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161115_C2463_PHOTO_EN_818960.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]