Thousands of children and caregivers to benefit from educational services and improved access to child protection services
DAMASCUS, 19 November 2024 - The Republic of Korea has contributed US$2.5 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aiming to increase children’s access to safe and quality education, in addition to providing humanitarian child protective services, including mental health and psychosocial support to vulnerable families affected by the conflict in Syria.
"We are proud to announce our support for children and families in Syria affected by this prolonged crisis. Education and child protection are fundamental to building a brighter future for any nation, especially for those most vulnerable. We believe that every child deserves a safe space to learn and grow, regardless of their circumstances. This contribution reflects Korea's commitment to working closely with UNICEF and the international community to ensure a better future for every child,” His Excellency Mr. Il Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lebanon said.
Thirteen years of crisis have upended the lives of children and their families across Syria, leaving 15.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including seven million children. Of the country's 6.8 million internally displaced people, 5.3 million require humanitarian support. Furthermore, 6.4 million children in Syria need protection, and the ongoing hostilities, protracted displacement, and limited access to basic services continue to significantly affect the physical and mental well-being of children and their caregivers.
The damaged and destroyed school infrastructure coupled with the lack of affordable transportation, qualified teachers, and school supplies, contribute to the challenges faced by the strained education system. Moreover, access to accredited education remains a challenge for some children.
With the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea, UNICEF will increase its child protection services across the country. Efforts will focus on equipping children, parents, especially mothers, and communities with knowledge and skills to promote practices that protect them within their homes and the broader community. In parallel, UNICEF will expand access to education through multiple strategies, including creating safe, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environments for children. Additionally, the contribution will enhance UNICEF’s existing non-formal education (NFE) initiatives and support children’s transition from NFE to formal education through an integrated approach.
“Access to education and child protection services is crucial for the well-being and future of children affected by conflict. This generous contribution by the Government of the Republic of Korea will enable UNICEF to support vulnerable communities in Syria, ensuring children have safe spaces to learn and access the protection and care they urgently need,” Mr. Yasumasa Kimura, UNICEF Syria Representative said.
“We welcome and are grateful for the generous contribution of the Government of the Republic of Korea, which supports UNICEF’s efforts to address the needs of children and their families in Syria. It is essential to help children grow up in a safe environment, providing them with the opportunity to learn and thrive,” Mr. Kimura concluded.
The new funding received from The Republic of Korea comes in addition to earlier contributions for children in Syria. Since 2021, the Government of the Republic of Korea has provided approximately US$1.5 million in humanitarian funding for UNICEF’s support to children in Syria.
Media contacts
Monique Awad
Chief Communication and Advocacy
UNICEF Syria
Tel: +963 (0) 950044304
Email: mawad@unicef.org
Sherin Salameh
Communication Officer
UNICEF Syria
Tel: + 963 (0) 958 558 891
Email: ssalama@unicef.org