Unicef UK calls on the international community to support vulnerable refugee children
19 June 2018– Unicef UK responds to UNHCR Global Trends Report which found that 70.8 million children, women and men were forcibly displaced at the close of 2018.
Statement from Alexander Carnwath, Senior Policy Advisor on Migration and Humanitarian Crises at Unicef UK:
“Unicef is deeply concerned by the figures raised in this report. The situation in Venezuela is particularly concerning. There are more than 3 million Venezuelan migrants displaced across Latin America, often living in vulnerable host communities with already overstretched resources. Without increased support, the health, education and well-being of these children is in jeopardy.
“However, this is a global problem. In 2018, there were around 13 million child refugees, who are vulnerable and at risk of encountering violence, abuse and exploitation. Children in protracted conflicts found themselves not just fleeing bombs and bullets, but also the breakdown of basic services, which left families without an adequate amount of food, healthcare or clean water.
“There is every risk that the number of displaced people will grow as the combined impact of conflict and climate change forces people from their homes. Therefore, UNICEF calls on the international community to provide lifesaving humanitarian aid, ensure communities have long-term access to essential services and put an end to grave violations against children.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For more information, please contact:
Emily Craigie, 0207 375 6058, [email protected]
Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK
For more information please visit unicef.org.uk