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Syrian children killed, recruited as fighters since conflict began in 2011: UNICEF

Xinhua, March 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Syria's five-year-old conflict has affected about 8.4 million children either in Syria or in neighboring countries as refugees, with many being killed or recruited as fighters by the warring parties, according to a UNICEF report issued on Monday.

As many as 306,000 Syrian children were born as refugees out of a total 3.7 million delivered since the conflict began in 2011, according to the report entitled "No Place for Children."

"In Syria, violence has become commonplace, reaching homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, parks, playgrounds and places of worship," said Peter Salama, UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

"Nearly 7 million children live in poverty, making their childhood one of loss and deprivation."

UNICEF verified nearly 1,500 grave violations against children in 2015. More than 60 percent of such abuses were instances of killing and maiming as a result of explosive weapons used in populated areas.

More than 15,000 unaccompanied and separated children have crossed Syria's borders, it estimated.

It noted that Syrian children aged between 15 and 17 were recruited by armed forces and groups in the earlier years of the conflict.

"However, since 2014, all parties to the conflict have recruited children as young as seven -- often without parental consent," it said.

More than half of children recruited in cases UNICEF has verified in 2015 were under 15 years old, it said.

UNICEF estimates that more than 2.1 million children inside Syria, and 700,000 in neighboring countries, are out-of-school.

"In response, UNICEF and partners launched the 'No Lost Generation Initiative,' which is committed to restoring learning and providing opportunities to young people," it added.

The report called on the global community to end violations of children's rights, lift sieges and improve humanitarian access inside Syria, and to honor their funding pledges so as to secure 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2016 to provide children with learning opportunities. Endit