The children of Syria cannot afford another year of bloodshed, suffering and missed education, warn aid agencies.
The general public have been urged to add their voices to a global appeal demanding an end to the devastating treatment of children affected by the crisis in Syria.
The No Lost Generation appeal hosted on www.change.org, at http://bit.ly/nolostgeneration was launched today by relief agencies, World Vision, UNICEF, UNHCR, Save the Children and other partners. It follows the United Nations Security Council’s unanimous resolution over the weekend to demand all parties to the conflict facilitate immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to affected communities inside Syria.
World Vision Australia's Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Anthea Spinks said the appeal had been launched because an entire generation of Syrian children could be lost if there is not an end to the relentless horror and suffering many of them are currently enduring on a daily basis.
“While we welcome the Security Council resolution as a breakthrough, it now needs to be implemented and enforced as a matter of urgency,” Ms Spinks said.
With nearly 5.5 million children now affected in Syria and bordering countries, there is also an urgent need for an increased investment in education and initiatives to protect children she said.
The No Lost Generation appeal is directed at all those who have the responsibility and the ability to bring an end to the suffering of children and safeguard their future.
It stresses the importance of breaking the cycle of violence and providing children and young people with the support they need to play a constructive role in the future peace and stability of Syria and the region.
The appeal makes five demands:
- An end to the violence against the children of Syria. All those involved in the fighting must fully respect humanitarian law, end the recruitment of children, and commit to a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
- An end to blocking of humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian organisations must be allowed to safely reach all those who are suffering.
- An end to attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities – especially schools and hospitals.
- A renewed commitment to reconciliation and tolerance – led by all communities affected by the conflict, involving children and young people.
- More investment in the education and psychological protection of all children affected by the conflict. Children need help to recover from the traumas they have faced and acquire the skills they will need to help rebuild their country and strengthen the stability of the region.
The public appeal aims to engage at least one million voices of support before the war in Syria reaches the end of its third year on 15 March.
To join the public appeal, please go to the following link on change.org: http://bit.ly/nolostgeneration
World Vision Australia’s, Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, Anthea Spinks is available for interview.
Media contact: Gabrielle Brophy, 0407 575 112 orgabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au