AKIPRESS.COM - The United Nations on February 21 launched a $2.2 billion appeal to help nearly 60 million children in crisis situations, the majority of whom are in and around war-torn Syria.The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ‘Humanitarian Action for Children 2014’ is the largest emergency appeal on record. It would aid 85 million people of whom 59 million are children.
“Children are always the most vulnerable group in emergencies, facing a high risk of violence, exploitation, disease and neglect,” said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s Director of Emergency Programmes.
The UNICEF appeal outstrips its call early last year for $1.4 billion. The appeal was revised in October to $1.7 billion.
The majority of the funds are destined to tackle the impact of the crisis in Syria and the sub-region. Almost 40 per cent of $835 million will be earmarked for immunizations, as well as water and sanitation, education, and protection projects.
In addition, UNICEF will use the appeal for under-funded crises, Mr. Chaiban including in Afghanistan, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia and Yemen. With partners, the UN agency is also working on address challenges in Angola, Haiti and the Sahel, among others.