UNICEF Report Warns Syrian Conflict Creating ‘Lost Generation’ Of Children
“The escalating Syrian conflict risks creating a ‘lost generation’ of millions of children suffering physical and psychological consequences of the war, UNICEF warned in a report [.pdf] released Tuesday,” the Los Angeles Times reports. According to the newspaper, the report states, “In Syria, children have been exposed to grave human rights violations, including killing and maiming, sexual violence, torture, arbitrary detention, recruitment and use by armed forces and groups, and exposure to explosive remnants of war. … Basic infrastructure and public services are being systematically destroyed” (McDonnell, 3/12).
“Lack of access to basic services has resulted in increased skin and respiratory diseases and, in areas where the fighting is most intense, one in five schools have been destroyed or damaged,” the U.N. News Centre writes. Since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011, “UNICEF and its partners have focused on providing drinking water and sanitation, health, education and child protection services to displaced families inside Syria and in its neighboring countries, where many have fled,” the news service continues, adding, “However, UNICEF said its efforts are threatened by a critical lack of funds” (3/12).