UNICEF Warns About Serious Situation Children Are Facing in Mosul

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) warns that the children in Mosul are going through severe conditions resulting from the intensified fight against the Islamic State (IS) group in the city's western part.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Iraq, said “We are receiving alarming reports of civilians, including several children, being killed in west Mosul.”

He estimated that 100,000 girls and boys are still in the IS-held Old City district and other areas in west Mosul, living in extremely dangerous conditions.

“An estimated 100,000 girls and boys remain in extremely dangerous conditions in the Old City and other areas of west Mosul. Many are caught in the crossfire and hospitals and other medical facilities have reportedly come under attack.”

The UN official called on the forces engaged in the fight in Mosul to “protect children and keep them out of harm’s way at all times, in line with their obligations under humanitarian law.”

“Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure including hospitals, clinics, schools, homes and water systems should stop immediately.”

He added that children’s lives are in danger as they are being killed, injured and used as human shields during the ongoing fight in the city.


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