UNICEF: Dozens of children have been killed in Afrin

Citing reports from inside Afrin, UNICEF stated that dozens of children have been killed and many more injured since the start of hostilities in the district.

The United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF called attention to the humanitarian crisis in Afrin in Eastern Ghouta in Syria where war continues.

Regarding the situation in Afrin that is under genocidal attacks of the Turkish state, Marixie Mercado, UNICEF spokesperson in Geneva, said the following at a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva;

“Reports from inside Afrin indicate that dozens of children have been killed and many more injured since the start of hostilities in the district.

For the last 10 days, children and families have suffered severe water shortages as the source of water for Afrin city has reportedly been cut off. Families are relying on untreated water and boreholes, potentially increasing the risk of waterborne diseases for about 250,000 people.

According to local sources most health facilities are shut down and classes are said to be suspended as well.

Civilians are reportedly being stopped from trying to flee the district and most of the displaced people from rural areas are moving towards Afrin city. There is no official displacement tracking mechanism but local sources estimate around 50,000 displaced people in the city. Families are being hosted by relatives and friends, in shops, government buildings and schools.

Over 7,000 people have, however, reached surrounding villages and Aleppo city. UNICEF teams who have visited these locations report that people are staying in mosques and sometimes on the street with very limited humanitarian assistance. Health facilities in these locations are overwhelmed and there is an immediate need to provide assistance on water and sanitation.”