UN Agencies, others issue 'The call for action' appeal to save Syrian children

  The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Mercy Corps, Save the Children, and World Vision on Monday issued an impassioned joint appeal to the general public, urging it to voice its outrage at the Syrian conflict's devastating impact on children and alarming long-term consequences of a lost generation. The public appeal aims to engage at least 1 million voices of support before the war in Syria reaches the end of its third year on March 15. Nearly 5.5 million children are now affected inside Syria and in neighbouring countries. The five Agencies warned that without an end to the relentless horror and suffering for children and without increased investment in their education and protection, an entire generation could be lost to Syria and the wider region. They are urging the public to join in a massive 'call for action' directed at all those who have the responsibility and the ability to bring an end to the suffering of children and safeguard their future. They demanded an end to the violence, respect of humanitarian law, commitment to a peaceful resolution to the conflict, an end to blocking humanitarian assistance, a renewed commitment to reconciliation and tolerance, and more investment in the education and psychological protection of all affected children. "Children need help to recover from the traumas they have faced and acquire the skills they will need to help rebuild their country and strengthen the stability of the region," the Agencies said in their joint statement issued here.