Statement from UNICEF on the shelling of Qana, Lebanon.

[pinto]

Press release

Statement of UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman

NEW YORK, 30 July 2006 – The attacks today in Qana are dramatic evidence that children are once again paying the price of war.

We strongly condemn the continued targeting of civilians, particularly children. We urge all parties to heed the call of Secretary-General Annan for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We urgently need the establishment of clear arrangements for full access and safe conduct of humanitarian relief operations to:

• Relocate the children, the wounded, the disabled, and the elderly who have not been able to escape the fighting in the worst war zones.

• Re-supply hospitals and health centers, particularly in the South, with emergency medical relief items and fuel for generators to avoid a complete breakdown of public health facilities caring for the thousands of wounded.

• Provide water and sanitation facilities, food, and other basic supplies to the tens of thousands of displaced who are seeking shelter in public buildings in the conflict zones.

• Establish an emergency communication system to vulnerable communities allowing us to address acute needs urgently where and when they arise.
We are also deeply concerned by today's demonstrations at UN premises in Beirut which caused significant damage to the offices and forced UN employees to take refuge. UN humanitarian workers are providing assistance to those suffering in this conflict, especially the children. Their safety and security are of utmost importance.

For background information:

Press reports indicate the killing of an estimated 60 people in Qana today.

The Government of Lebanon estimates that 600 people have been killed and more than 3,000 injured in Lebanon alone. While the situation is changing daily, UNICEF believes that more than one-third are children.

An estimated 800,000 people are reportedly internally displaced, with an estimated 119,625 people living in 652 schools and public gardens in and around Beirut. An estimated 45 per cent of the internally displaced are children.

For further information, please contact:

Jehane Sedky-Lavandero, UNICEF New York: ([phone];
[e-mail]

Anis Salem, UNICEF Amman: ([phone] email;
[e-mail]

Wolfgang Friedl, UNICEF Amman: ([phone] ext 422;
[e-mail]

Soha Boustani, UNICEF Beirut ([phone];
[e-mail]

Patrick McCormick, UNICEF Geneva: ([phone];
[e-mail]

[uppityperson]

1. k&r for the children

[deminks]

2. Veneman is Bush's former Ag secretary.

Just saying it is strange for her to take a non-approved Bush stance on anything. Not a thing in this press release I disagree with, though.

[K8-EEE]

3. What? No, Condi & GWB Think That's Too "Temporary"

Of all the fucking insane things they've taken to repeating, this business about keep bombing or it will "not be a permanent peace" is the MOST fucking insane thing ever, my God!! Those people are innocent and they need help. You have to totally resolve a 5,000 year old argument before they get any help to those people? WTF????

I swear it just makes me wish that BushCo operatives would find themselves in some kind of desperate situation so somebody could go, oh we don't want you to have this relief, it will only be temporary, so BOMBS AWAY!

PSYCHOS!