NEW YORK (September 16, 2015) – UNICEF condemns, in the strongest terms, yesterday’s mortar attacks on civilian areas of Aleppo which reportedly killed at least 19 children, including six in a UNICEF-supported child friendly space.

“Child friendly spaces enable children to play and reconnect with their childhood, and to forget, even if for a short time, the horrors of war. They must never be targeted.

“This reprehensible attack shows that even the simple act of playing represents a grave danger for children in Syria."

“In recent weeks, several indiscriminate attacks, including car bombs and air strikes, have been reported in civilian populated areas, leading to the death and injury of scores of children.

“These attacks highlight a blatant disregard for the laws of war. They are a stark reminder that nowhere in Syria is safe for children.

UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to immediately halt such attacks and do their utmost to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure such as schools, health clinics and water facilities, in accordance with international humanitarian law. All civilians including children should be protected at all times.”

About UNICEFThe United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by 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 no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact: Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org