UNITED NATIONS
Senior United Nations officials in June 2014 expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian situation of the estimated 1 million people displaced so far this year in Iraq, particularly children, who are reportedly being recruited for militias.
“We have received worrisome information that children are taking part in hostilities,” said Leila Zerrougui, special representative of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for children and armed conflict. Her office confirmed incidents of underage boys being armed, manning checkpoints, and in some cases, being used as suicide bombers.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and affiliated organizations are listed in the secretary-general’s annual report on children and armed conflict for recruitment and use of children, killing and maiming of children, and attacks on schools and hospitals in Iraq.
In 2013, an average of three children were killed every other day in attacks, shelling or in crossfire, more than double the number of children killed and maimed in 2012.
“This recent wave of hostilities could inflict an even higher toll with children killed or injured, displaced or separated from their families,” according to a statement from Zerrougui’s office.
In Iraq, U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Jacqueline Badcock said the ongoing conflict and the extremely volatile environment are likely to limit humanitarian access to displaced people in areas controlled by armed groups.
“I remind all parties to the conflict that they must allow unfettered and sustained humanitarian access to all people in need,” she said, adding that more staff is being mobilized and emergency funding is being released to aid needy families.
“Many are staying in the open and urgently need water, food, shelter and latrines,” Badcock said. “There are concerns for their protection and reports of an increase in gender-based violence among the displaced.”