Photos and broll are available at: http://uni.cf/1LOQt9b
NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - "Heart-breaking images of children's bodies washing up on the shores of Europe … lying suffocated in the backs of trucks crossing borders … being passed over barbed wire fences by desperate parents.
"As the migrant and refugee crisis in Europe deepens, these will not be the last shocking images to ricochet around the world on social media, on our television screens and on the front pages of our newspapers.
"But it is not enough for the world to be shocked by these images. Shock must be matched by action.
"For the plight of these children is neither by their choice nor within their control. They need protection. They have a right to protection.
"We urge that the following measures be taken:
"Our hearts go out today to the families who have lost children – off the coasts, on the shores, and along the roadsides of Europe. As the debates on policies proceed, we must never lose sight of the deeply human nature of this crisis.
"Nor of the children.
"Nor of its scale. At least a quarter of those seeking refuge in Europe are children – in the first six months of this year, more than 106,000 children claimed asylum in Europe.
"And we should never forget what lies behind so many of the stories of families seeking sanctuary in Europe: terrible conflicts such as that in Syria, which already has forced some 2 million children to flee their country. Only an end to these conflicts can bring an end to the misery of so many."
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.
UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.
SOURCE UNICEF Canada
Image with caption: "A young girl stands with other children and adults at a reception centre in Gevgelija in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia after crossing the border from Idomeni in Greece. Many are escaping conflict and insecurity in their home countries. (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150903_C8304_PHOTO_EN_490398.jpg
For further information: To arrange interviews or for more information please contact: Tiffany Baggetta, UNICEF Canada, 416-482-6552 ext. 8892, 647-308-4806 (mobile), [email protected]
UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach...
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