UNICEF NZ calling on New Zealanders to Stand with the Children of Syria

Donate at: www.unicef.org.nz/syria

Devastating news reports and images of children circulating over the last few days are a solemn and stark reminder that even in New Zealand, we can't sit idly by as the Syrian crisis continues to unfold.

UNICEF estimates as many as 14 million children have been affected by the conflict to date – more than three times the entire population of New Zealand.

“The sheer injustice and outrage that many New Zealanders have felt seeing the shocking photos of Aylan Kurdi, a wee three year old boy, washed ashore on the beach, is the very injustice and outrage we need to channel on behalf of the millions of children forced to flee their homes over the last four years,” said UNICEF New Zealand’s Executive Director, Vivien Maidaborn. “Combined efforts from individual citizens and governments are needed to ensure the resources are found to support these children and their families into safe places before the Northern winter.

“Debate has arisen over the last few days around the labels to describe the increased movement of people we are currently seeing across Europe and elsewhere – migrant crisis, mass movement of refugees etc. Ultimately, no label matters. They are human beings, families and communities all heading into the unknown seeking safety, shelter and security.”

Ms Maidaborn recently visited Lebanon where she saw first-hand how fellow Kiwi, Luciano Calestini, and his team at UNICEF Lebanon are coping with the massive influx of people as a result of the ongoing violence in neighbouring Syria. One in four people in Lebanon is now a refugee and the country is struggling to cope.

Since 2011, the number of children benefitting from support and services from UNICEF within Lebanon has increased dramatically, from just 44,000 children supported in 2011 to some 800,000 children in 2014.

Ms Maidaborn added, “At UNCEF, we haven’t lost hope. When we get to tell peoples’ stories – those of families who are beginning to heal, have found ways of surviving and whose children are back in school – we find that people and donors engage strongly. More often than not because they know their donations are making a difference, and because they feel a connection with the families whose stories we share.

"Here in New Zealand we can’t let ourselves be numbed by the numbers on this. Each of the 14 million children affected is somebody’s child, grandchild, brother or sister. Please donate what you can at www.unicef.org.nz/syria so that we can continue to have an impact and help children who need it most.”

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