UNICEF: Syrian children need urgent support

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Muzoon Almellehan warned of the fragile conditions facing children in Syria, stressing that millions continue to confront daily risks caused by explosive remnants of war, damaged infrastructure, and the deterioration of essential services.

Speaking at a UN agencies press conference in Geneva, Muzoon Almellehan presented the findings of her recent visit to Syria. She emphasized that every child deserves to grow up safely, receive an education, and have a real opportunity to build their future, warning that the existing hope remains under threat amid ongoing challenges.

She stressed that education is a top priority, noting that millions of children are out of school due to damaged or destroyed educational facilities, extreme poverty, and repeated displacement. She also highlighted that girls face compounded risks, including school dropout and early marriage, which threaten their futures and negatively impact community stability.

She pointed out that children need a safe environment, sustainable educational and health services, as well as psychosocial support to help them overcome the effects of conflict. She warned that the funding gap is one of the most pressing current challenges, at a time when humanitarian needs remain widespread.

Muzoon Almellehan called for increased investment in education, protection, and basic services, stressing that empowering children and youth is essential for societal recovery and for preventing the recurrence of cycles of loss and displacement that have affected entire generations.

ANHA