NEW YORK, 8 February 2017 – “We are saddened and outraged by the cruel killings today of six workers for the International Committee of the Red Cross in northern Afghanistan, and two workers for the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in Aleppo, Syria.
“Our deepest sympathy is with the families of those who lost their lives, and our thoughts are with those who were injured in these attacks. We remain deeply concerned for two ICRC workers who were reportedly abducted during the attack in Afghanistan.
“This double tragedy is a reminder of the risks humanitarian workers face all over the world today as they work to help others. We best honour their heroism – and the sacrifice of those who lost their lives today — by supporting and strengthening their work.
“All of us at UNICEF stand in solidarity with our partners at the ICRC and SARC.”
ENDS
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF has been in operation for 70 years.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit https://www.unicef.ie/
For more information, please contact:
Aedín Donnelly, Communications and Media Manager for UNICEF Ireland | aedin@unicef.ie | Tel: +353 1 809 0281 | Mob: +353 85 1395272
Najwa Mekki, UNICEF New York, +1917 209 1804, nmekki@unicef.org
