UNICEF deplores ‘shocking’ attacks in northern Syria towns that leave scores of civilians dead
Children play games at Atmeh IDP camp in Idlib province, north Syria. Photo: OCHA
29 July 2016 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has deplored recent shocking attacks in northern Syrian cities of Qamishli and Idlib, which killed more than 60 people including many children; reiterating that all parties to the conflict should respect international humanitarian law and protect children and civilians.
“UNICEF is informed that 32 children are being treated at the main hospital in Qamishli city, many with serious injuries,” said a statement issued by the agency.
According to reports, the 27 July attack in Qamishli killed more than 50 people, including many children, while the 20 July attack in Idlib killed a schoolgirl along with eight other civilians, when airstrikes hit the school where she was taking her exams.
Local hospitals in Qamishli have been overwhelmed treating more than 150 injured people, and injured civilians remain trapped under the rubble as rescuers continue to work to save lives and recover bodies, noted the statement.
“UNICEF teams in Qamishli are coordinating with local partners to provide support for the urgent medical treatment of the injured,” said the statement.
Every day in Syria, children face the deadly threat of violence everywhere and have nowhere safe to go. They continue to be killed and injured in many parts of Syria by attacks in civilian populated areas and against civilian infrastructure.
“UNICEF again urges all parties to the conflict in Syria to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect children and all civilians,” underscored the statement.
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