Statement: UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on conflicts in the Middle East

NEW YORK, 12 October 2024 – “As every day passes, the lives of children across Israel, the State of Palestine, and Lebanon are torn apart in unimaginable ways.

“All the parties are obligated to protect civilians, including children, humanitarian workers, and civilian infrastructure, including schools and health facilities. Parties must allow unfettered access to life-saving aid. These obligations are flagrantly disregarded.

“Children do not start wars and they have no power to end them, yet their lives are devastated by conflict. Tens of thousands of children have died. Thousands more are in captivity, displaced, orphaned, out of school, and suffer trauma from violence and war.

“The deaths and suffering of children are shameful. The daily bloodshed and horror for children are an affront to the most fundamental values of humanity. The violence against children, the most vulnerable among us, must end.”