Statement

Statement on Syria by Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

AMMAN, May 5, 2013 – “UNICEF is appalled and outraged by the latest reported killings in Al Bayda and Baniyas.

“Reports say that on May 2 and 3, dozens of people, including women and children, were killed in the two towns.

“These latest deaths serve as another reminder that it is innocent civilians, especially children, who continue to pay the heaviest cost of the carnage in Syria.

“The brutal violence is causing extreme human suffering and loss of life.

“Over five and a half million people have already fled their homes, including 1.4 million refugees living in severely stressed neighbouring countries.

“All parties must comply with their international legal obligations and respect the sanctity of children’s lives.”

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UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org

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For more information, please contact:

Juliette Touma, UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, Tel. +962-79-867-4628, jtouma@unicef.org

Malene Jensen, UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, mjensen@unicef.org Tel. +962-79-708-9007

Peter Smerdon, UNICEF New York, Tel + 1 212 303 7984, Mobile: +1 917 213 5188, psmerdon@unicef.org