UNICEF calls for protection of children in northwest Syria

EDLEB, Syria — As fighting escalates in northwestern Syria, children are increasingly at risk of injury and death, according to a statement by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Bertrand Bainville. At least seven children were killed, and two others injured, in recent fighting.

The UNICEF statement pointed out that generations of children in Syria know nothing but war. “Living in safety is the least that children deserve wherever they are, including in Syria,” the statement read.

Children should not pay the price of adults’ wars, said Bainville, adding that UNICEF calls on all parties of the conflict in Syria to stop attacks on children and protect them at all times.

In July, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Ted Chaiban, described the attacks on Edleb (Idlib) as the worst since the ceasefire agreement was reached in the region.

“Escalation of violence would only lead to the loss of more children’s lives,” Chaiban added.