“War in Iraq will have devastating consequences for children. Children will be killed or maimed and thousands, perhaps millions, will suffer from hunger, disease and displacement. Children’s lives are already under serious threat after years of conflict, sanctions and tyranny. This war will make their difficult lives even worse.

“Save the Children is dismayed that the international community has failed to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Now that war has begun, Save the Children strongly urges the warring parties to uphold their obligations to protect civilians[1] , and to guarantee humanitarian agencies full and secure access to vulnerable children and their families.

“Save the Children is one of the largest and most experienced of the Non-Governmental Organisations in Iraq. As soon as safe access into Iraq is possible, Save the Children will deliver emergency supplies of food, water, medicine and shelter to help innocent Iraqi children.

“As in all wars, children pay the ultimate price for the failure of adults to resolve their differences peacefully."

ENDS

Save the Children asks New Zealanders to contribute to Save the Children’s emergency intervention to ensure that Iraqi children can be helped. Donate now by calling 0800 167 168 or click here to donate online.

Spokespeople available now
1) New Zealander and Media Officer for Save the Children UK Brendan Paddy, in London. Brendan was in Iraq in December and is returning to the Middle East very soon.
2) Save the Children Media Officer Eileen Burke in Kuwait
3) Save the Children New Zealand Executive Director John Bowis in Wellington

For more information contact Save the Children 04 385 6847 or info@scnz.org.nz

[1] Article 48 and 50 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions. The UK is a party to Protocol I. Iraq and the US are not a party to Protocol I, although key provisions of Protocol I are reflected in the US military code. However, the fundamental provisions of Protocol I, including all the rules on the conduct of hostilities, are considered part of customary international law and are therefore binding on all states.