Conflict has defined life for an entire generation of Iraqi children

17.06.08 - 23:58 ... source : Unicef

... GENEVA, 17 June 2008 - Conflict has undermined the potential of an entire generation of Iraqi children, UNICEF said today. The organisation urged new momentum to reach vulnerable children inside the country with assistance."A child turning 18 in Iraq this year looks back on nearly two decades of sanctions, conflict and insecurity", said Sigrid Kaag, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. "To preserve the young generation growing up today, we need to shield children from violence, enhance humanitarian access and provide more resources targeted to children’s specific needs." Cumulative impact of conflictChildren’s social services, eroded by lack of investment during the 1990s, have been further weakened by prolonged insecurity and the exodus of Iraqi professionals. Only 40 per cent of Iraq’s children have access to a regularly working water source. Immunisation rates are now under 50 p ...» Next (HTML)