UNICEF chief slams deadly attack on humanitarian convoy in Syria

Executive Director of UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Anthony Lake Tuesday condemned attacks on a humanitarian convoy in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, calling on all parties to the conflict to ensure "unconditional, unimpeded and sustained access to people in desperate need -- wherever they are in Syria."

Lake, in a statement issued here, said, "All those with a conscience must condemn the attack on a humanitarian convoy in Aleppo that killed and injured humanitarian workers."

The inter-agency convoy was carrying desperately needed humanitarian supplies for tens of thousands of people in extreme need, the statement noted. "Trucks carrying UNICEF health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies were severely damaged in the attack."

The United Nations suspended humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria after the attack on the convoy reportedly killed 21 civilians in Aleppo, reports said Tuesday.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the deadly attack.

"These supplies were for children who have already suffered more than five years of war," Lake said in the statement. "Five years of callous disregard for their lives, their wellbeing, and their future."

"Our deepest sympathy is with the families of those killed in this heartless attack, and our thoughts are with all those who were injured," he said. "These heroes risked their lives -- and lost their lives -- working to save others in a human catastrophe that has gone on for far too long, and cost far too many lives."

"We honor their work best by carrying on," he said. "UNICEF remains committed to deliver aid to the more than six million children and their families who are in desperate need of help." Endit