UNICEF

A girl stands in a fire-damaged house, in a conflict-affected governorate in Syria.

By July 2012 in Syria, escalating conflict between rebel and government forces is taking an increasing toll on children and their families. Deaths, including of children and women, have surpassed 17,000, and an estimated 1.5 million people inside Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance. Education and health services have been disrupted, and food insecurity is rising. Up to 1 million people have been internally displaced, with an increasing number being displaced for a second time as the conflict continues to spread. Over 120,000 refugees – half of them children – have fled to neighbouring Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. UNICEF is working with diverse governments, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and local and international NGOs to respond to the needs of affected children, both in and outside the country. UNICEF supports initiatives in education, water, sanitation and hygiene and child protection, including psychosocial assistance for children traumatized by the conflict to which they have been subjected or borne witness.

© UNICEF/Alessio Romenzi

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