Press Release

UNICEF outraged by child massacre
in Syria

UNICEF is outraged at the latest killing of 32 children—under the age of 10—confirmed by United Nations observers, and the wounding of hundreds more in the village of Houla. "This outrageous crime against such young children who have no part in these battles points to a new urgency in finding solutions to the Syrian conflict. Such a massacre cannot go unpunished," said Sarah Crowe, Spokesperson for the Executive Director of UNICEF. "Our deepest condolences to the Syrian families who have suffered so much over the past 15 months of turmoil."

NEW YORK ( May 29, 2012) — UNICEF is outraged at the latest killing of 32 children—under the age of 10—confirmed by United Nations observers, and the wounding of hundreds more in the village of Houla, near Homs. They were among more than 90 killed.

"This outrageous crime against such young children who have no part in these battles points to a new urgency in finding solutions to the Syrian conflict. Such a massacre cannot go unpunished," said Sarah Crowe, Spokesperson for the Executive Director of UNICEF.

"Our deepest condolences to the Syrian families who have suffered so much over the past 15 months of turmoil."

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in more than 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, 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.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress: the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from more than 12 million in 1990 to 7.6 million in 2010. But still, 21,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For additional information, please contact:
Susannah Masur, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9146, smasur@unicefusa.org