UNICEF says millions of kids at risk in Iraq
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 June 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UNICEF says millions of kids at risk in Iraq, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57a43c2c15.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 30, 2016
The UN says 3.6 million children in Iraq are at "serious risk" and has called on warring parties there to protect their rights.
In a fresh report issued on June 30, the UN children's fund said that the number of children in Iraq at serious risk of death or wartime exploitation had increased by 1.3 million in the past 18 months.
Among the risks they face, according to UNICEF, are death, injury, sexual violence, abduction, and recruitment into armed groups.
UNICEF described Iraq as "one of the most dangerous places in the world for children."
The report said that the 2014 Islamic State invasion of large areas of Iraq's north and west and the military operation to unseat them have had a "catastrophic impact," with some 4.7 million Iraqi children in need of humanitarian assistance.
It said children were also affected by the lack of adequate health care, poor public services, and the desperate state of education.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
