UNICEF calls for the protection of children trapped in west Mosul’s violence

Statement attributable to Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Iraq

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2017-06-30

“Thousands of children continue to be trapped in relentless violence in West Mosul’s Old City neighborhoods as the fighting heavily intensified over the past hours.

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A family displaced by fighting between ISIS and Iraqi security forces carry their belongings as they walk through the destroyed western neighbourhood of Al Mamum, near Mosul, Iraq.

“Children are facing multiple threats to their lives. Those stranded in the fighting are hiding in their basements, fearful of the next onslaught. Those who try to flee, risk being shot or wounded. Hundreds of civilians have already been reported killed and used as human shields.

“Boys and girls who have managed to escape show signs of moderate malnutrition and carry psychosocial scars of the conflict, as a consequence of what they have been through.

“The plight of these children and their survival must remain a top priority now and in the weeks and months to come.

“UNICEF reiterates its call on all parties to the conflict to protect children at all times. Children must be kept out of harm’s way no matter the circumstances.”

Source:United Nations Children's Fund

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