UNICEF needs US $207 million to help children in crisis zones

UNICEF on Monday appealed for US $207 million to help the world’s most vulnerable children throughout the coming year. “We are making this appeal on behalf of children caught in the very worst of conditions. Children trying to survive brutal conflict and inhuman poverty. Children who have been pushed to the very bottom rung of existence,” said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy. She noted the target sum is a “conservative, minimal estimate” of what is needed. UNICEF’s appeal covers at-risk children in 20 humanitarian crisis zones. As part of a co-ordinated United Nations effort, UNICEF is seeking US $207 million to provide immunizations against disease, basic schooling, clean water and decent sanitation, AIDS education, mine awareness, and protection from abuse and exploitation, including the recruitment of children as combatants.