UNICEF: More than 80 percent of Syria children harmed by war

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — More than 80 percent of Syria’s children have been harmed by the country’s conflict, including growing numbers of those who were forced to work, join armed groups or marry young because of widening poverty, the U.N. children’s agency said Monday, on the fifth anniversary of the crisis.

 

Peter Salama, the agency’s regional chief, called on donor countries to make good on money pledges made at a Syria aid conference in London last month. His agency, UNICEF, seeks $1.16 billion for 2016 to help Syria’s children, including close to 3 million who are not in school.

 

The agency has so far received only 6 percent of the amount it seeks for this year. Salama said it would make more sense for donors to provide the funds early on and enable more effective, longer-term planning.

 

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