UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)

Media Release

7September2015

UNICEF NZ: The Children of Syria deserve more than symbolic gestures from the international community

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As public and political pressure grows around the New Zealand Government's decision on whether or not to increase the annual refugee quota, UNICEF NZ welcomes the Government's announcement this morning on TVNZ's Breakfast that New Zealand will look to take in an increased number of Syrian refugees in the coming years. However, we also remind New Zealanders that this is just one of many actions our Government should take to address the ongoing Syrian crisis, now in its fifth year.

"We may be a small nation, but we have shown time and time again that we can be leaders on the world stage," said UNICEF NZ's Executive Director, Vivien Maidaborn. "UNICEF New Zealand strongly urges the New Zealand Government to step up and address the root causes of this huge movement of desperate children through more vigorous diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, and to provide the required development and humanitarian support in countries of origin.”

The heart-breaking photos and stories emerging over the last few days have shocked the world from a sense of paralysis on the Syrian crisis. It is not enough for the world to merely be shocked by these images. Shock must be matched by action.

Ms Maidaborn added, "There is no denying the complexity and scale of this crisis but nor should that be a reason for inaction.

"UNICEF is present in all countries affected by the crisis, providing services to children and families, but there is currently a 54% gap in the funding we need for the remainder of the year. UNICEF urgently requires funding from individuals, corporates and government to ensure that we can continue to reach children and families in dire need.

“The huge increase in numbers of people leaving Syria and the region speaks to the desperation and harsh realities faced by millions. Equally, it also speaks to the failure of the international community to take sufficient actions - diplomatic and financial - that could avert the life threatening and perilous journeys we continue to hear of.”

The words of poet Warsan Shire have struck a cord around the world this week and should act a reminder that this is not a discussion about numbers, but about people’s lives:

“You have to understand,

No one puts their children in a boat,

Unless the water is safer than the land”

- Somali-British poet Warsan Shire.

Ms Maidaborn concluded, "After a hard fought campaign, it was a proud day for New Zealand when we won a seat on the United Nations Security Council last year.

"With that in mind, now is certainly not the time to shirk our moral and humanitarian responsibility to those in need, especially the estimated 14 million children affected by the Syrian crisis.

"Each one of these 14 million children affected is someone’s son, daughter, brother or sister. They need protection and the NZ Government can help provide that by increasing funds to agencies on the ground like UNICEF.

"Now is the moment for New Zealand to demonstrate our absolute commitment and not merely our symbolic commitment to end this appalling tragedy.

"We acknowledge the New Zealand Government's contribution to Syria of $15 million over the last four years. However, we are now calling for a more serious reflection to achieve an equitable humanitarian response, in the shape of $15 million for this financial year and the next.

"It has taken four and half years to get to this point in the conversation, let’s not make the Children of Syria wait even one more day."

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

Text HELP to 2923 to make a $3 donation

- Ends -

Notes to the editor:

Photos andbrollare available at:http://uni.cf/1LOQt9b

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