Strikes against children in a hospital in Syria
Statement by the Executive Director of UNICEF, Anthony Lake
NEW YORK, 15 February, 2016 – “We at UNICEF are appalled by reports of attacks against four medical facilities in Syria – two of which were supported by UNICEF. One is a child and maternal hospital where children were reportedly killed and scores evacuated.
“Two of the strikes occurred at Azaz in Aleppo and another two in Idlib, where one of the hospitals was reportedly struck four times. In addition there are reports that two schools were attacked at Azaz reportedly killing six children. UNICEF is urgently seeking further information.
“A third of hospitals and a quarter of schools in Syria – 5,000 – are no longer functioning.
“Apart from compelling considerations of diplomacy and obligations under International Humanitarian Law, let us remember that these victims are children.
“Children.”
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