UNICEF concerned for news about children trapped in Qusayr (Syria)

(May 22, 2013) The United Nations Children’s Fund - UNICEF on Tuesday expressed great concern for the safety of civilians in the city of Qusayr, in Syria which is under attack, and fears for thousands of children and women who may be trapped there because of the fighting. There are reports of heavy fighting in Qusayr, a town near the border with Lebanon, with a population of about 30,000 people. It is believed that within the city there have remained between 12,000 and 20,000 people, including many children. In recent days, hundreds of families have fled to Lebanon, and in different areas of Syria. UNICEF, other UN agencies and their partners are providing urgent humanitarian assistance including food, clothing and hygiene kits for most of the displaced persons.
UNICEF has repeatedly called on all parties to fulfil the obligations of international law and respect the sanctity of life of children. Since March 2011, nearly 4.25 million people - half of them children - have been displaced within Syria and 1.5 million people have taken refuge in neighbouring countries and are in need of humanitarian assistance.
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