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UNICEF to set up children-friendly zone near Macedonia-Greece border

Xinhua, August 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)has announced the establishment of a "children-friendly zone" for underage asylum seekers from war-torn countries near the Macedonia-Greece border.

The zone, established in Gevgelija, a town in southeastern Macedonia bordering Greece, would provide emergency aid for women and children to make their way through Macedonia, a statement of UNICEF Austria said Wednesday.

The UN program will provide services such as psycho-social support and catering for the needs of small children, along with a playground and a resting place, the statement said.

According to the UNICEF, between 1,500 and 2,000 asylum seekers pass through Macedonia each day, with 30 percent being women and children. Many have fled conflict in their home countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

The UN body said unaccompanied children are most in danger and usually appealed for monetary donations.

It also called on countries of refuge to recognize the unique status of the children, adding that they have the right to safe and age-appropriate accommodation irrespective of their status as refugee or immigrant.

These rights are stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child that these countries have ratified, it said. Endi