Conflicts across the globe continue to put babies and children in grave danger
TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - More than 16 million babies were born in conflict zones in 2015 – one in eight of all births worldwide this year – UNICEF said today, a figure that underscores the vulnerability faced by an increasing number of children.
"Every two seconds, a newborn takes its first breath in the midst of conflict, often in terrifying circumstances and without access to medical care," said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. "Too many children are now starting their lives in extreme circumstances – from conflict to natural disasters, poverty, disease or malnutrition. Can there be a worse start in life?"
"In conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, or on perilous journeys to escape fighting, newborn children and their mothers face enormous risks," said David Morley, UNICEF Canada President and CEO. "Canada has been a global champion for maternal, newborn and child health and for the education and protection of children in emergencies. Investments in 2016 will be critical to efforts to save the lives of the most vulnerable caught in these devastating conflicts."
Pregnant mothers are in danger of giving birth without medical help and in unsanitary conditions. Their children are more likely to die before they reach their fifth birthdays and to experience extreme – or "toxic" – stress, which can inhibit their long-term emotional and cognitive development.
In addition to those born into conflict, more than a quarter of a billion children – or one in nine – live in countries and areas in conflict and face enormous obstacles to their health, education and well-being.
UNICEF's new video Born Into Danger is available here: http://bit.ly/1JaqmUg
Photos and videos are available here: http://uni.cf/1YeVCOj
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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. For updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit unicef.ca.
SOURCE UNICEF Canada
Image with caption: "On November 28, Nour Majati cradles her one-month-old son, Youssef, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, on the Serbian border. Mrs. Majati, her husband and their four children fled Aleppo, Syria, following bombing attacks on their home. She was pregnant with Youssef at the time and gave birth via Caesarean section just before they fled Syria. Her surgical wound opened during the long, arduous journey—overland in Turkey, by sea to Greece, and overland again, walking for days, towards Central Europe. Photo credit: © UNICEF/UN02839/Gilbertson VII (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151217_C8861_PHOTO_EN_566383.jpg
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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