Save the Children Calls for More Protection for Syrian Children

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Syrian children need special care after witnessing killings, torture and other atrocities in the country’s conflict, Save the Children warned today.

“These children need specialist care now to help them recover from their shocking experiences. Their testimonies should also be documented so that these violent acts against children are not committed with impunity.”

Shocking testimony collected from refugees in Save the Children projects has revealed that children have been the targets of brutal attacks, seen the deaths of parents, siblings and other children, and have witnessed and experienced torture.

“Horrific acts of violence are being committed against children in Syria,” said Carolyn Miles, Save the Children President and CEO, who is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly week. “These children need specialist care now to help them recover from their shocking experiences. Their testimonies should also be documented so that these violent acts against children are not committed with impunity.”

Save the Children is on the ground on Syria’s borders, providing emotional support to thousands of children who have fled to neighboring countries, helping them recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives. The agency has launched an appeal to help fund its work in the region.

The aid agency is also calling for the UN to step up its documentation of all violations of children’s rights in Syria and that it should have more resources to do this, so that crimes against children are not committed with impunity.

To donate to Save the Children's response to the Syria crisis or to sign the petition to the United Nations calling for more protection for Syrian children, go to savethechildren.org/syria.

Interviews are available with Kathryn Bolles, Director of Save the Children’s Emergency Health Unit, who returned last week from the refugee camp in Jordan.