Children from Raqqa, Deir-ez-Zor need urgent assistance

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement on Friday that children displaced from Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor need urgent assistance and protection. 
UNICEF Representative in Syria Fran Equiza told reporters that after a several day visit to refugees camps he found the impact of war on children across Syria is staggering. 
Ongoing and heavy fighting has displaced thousands of families from Raqqa city and Deir-ez-Zor.
"I am overwhelmed by the profoundly traumatizing experiences these children have been through. They have endured brutal violence, lost friends and family members. They are terrified, yet hopeful" Equiza noted.
Equiza said that according to reports UNICEF is receiving from inside Raqqa city, several thousand children continue to be trapped in the city and caught in the direct line of fire.
There is no access for humanitarian agencies, the city is completely cut off from lifesaving assistance while children and families have little or no safe water while food supplies are running out fast, Equiza pointed out.
The UN representative reiterated that children and families who wish to leave Raqqa city must be allowed to do so in safety and in dignity
As the conflict further intensifies, children trapped in Raqqa city are at increasing risk of death and injury.
He called on parties involved in the conflict to protect children and facilitate safe passage for civilians to move to safety.
He underlined that the six and a half years of conflict have robbed millions of children of their childhood and inflicted untold suffering on them. 
"All children in Syria, regardless of their location or their families' affiliation must be protected at all times" Equiza added.

Source: Mena