Endorsing Safe Schools Declaration important to protect children from horrors of armed conflict

(HRW) – The past year has provided too many stark reminders of how children’s rights are threatened in humanitarian situations. In Syria, Human Rights Watch has documented widespread enforced disappearances, torture and killings of children by government security forces. All sides have recruited and used child soldiers. Government forces repeatedly used chemical weapons. Airstrikes against schools and hospitals are almost routine. Displaced children in Idlib are living in dangerous conditions without adequate support. Eastern Ghouta has been called “hell on earth.” Yet Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan have effectively closed their borders with Syria. Russia has abused its role on the Security Council to maintain impunity in Syria.

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