14 June 2012 - Children used as human shields in Syria – shocking and deeply worrying UN reports

“United Nations' reports of children being used as human shields and being forced to work on the front lines are shocking and deeply worrying. The perpetrators of these crimes must be held to account. This is contrary to International law, and we call on all sides to ensure that children are protected and kept safe from danger. All parties must now allow unhindered humanitarian access to help young people and their families,” says Liz Gibbs, Save the Children New Zealand.

We know that children are terrified by the fighting and the journeys they make to leave Syria. So Save the Children is on the borders of Syria in Lebanon and Jordan. We are helping refugees who have fled the conflict, especially children who have been through extremely distressing experiences. We are educating them about the risk from land mines in border areas as well as running safe spaces for children to play.

Save the Children New Zealand has given approximately $60,000 to help Syrian children caught up in the country’s crisis.

Over the next six months Save the Children will help hundreds of the most vulnerable children come to terms with what they have witnessed. Specially trained social workers are visiting vulnerable families, distributing urgently needed food for pregnant and new mothers, as well as medicines and clothing for children and babies. The organisation is also working to raise awareness amongst children of the dangers of unexploded mines along the borders.