Press Release

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

“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."

AMMAN, JORDAN (May 6, 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 neighboring countries.

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

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when ZERO children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For additional information, please contact:

Kiní Schoop, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2634, kschoop@unicefusa.org
Susannah Masur, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9146, smasur@unicefusa.org