Syria, UNICEF discuss activating joint work on child care

Both sides also discussed the execution of drinking water wells and financing of development projects.

Al-Halaqi affirmed the government’s knees to enhance cooperation with international organizations, pointing out that the government is committed to implementing the free and compulsory education, providing vaccines and psychological healthcare to children in parallel with taking care of martyrs’ sons.

He noted that taking care of children is not connected to war or certain circumstances but is a priority for the government and one of its strategic goals.

The prime minister reviewed the negative effects of the terrorist war on Syria that saw terrorist organizations destroying health centers, hospitals and schools to hinder the educational process in the areas they control and forcibly recruit children to carry out terrorist acts and suicide bombings and employing children in strenuous works.

He also hailed the efforts of UNICEF and its cooperation with Syrian government in the sectors of child care and establishing drinking water projects, mainly in Aleppo city.

For his part, Lake appreciated the efforts exerted by the Syrian government in taking care of children and mothers and providing them with health and educational requirements in addition to providing comprehensive care for children in all Syrian areas.

In a relevant context, Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad affirmed during a meeting with Lake that despite the difficulties the Syrian government is facing due to unilateral sanctions imposed on the Syrian people by Western states, the Syrian government will continue to provide support for the Syrian children and offer educational and health services for them.

Mikdad hailed the support provided by UNICEF to the Syrian children during the crisis.

In turn, Lake stressed the importance of expanding the services offered by the organization in Syria to improve the lives of Syrian children under the current conditions.