The United Nations Children’s Fund announced receiving an additional fund from the European Union to supports it's humanitarian work in Iraq, where those in need for humanitarian assistance are estimated to be around 11 million person, half of them are children.

    "This generous funding from the European Union at such a critical time will enable UNICEF to continue providing emergency assistance to Iraq’s families, providing hope for a better future for every child," said Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF Representative in Iraq, in a press release, which warns that families continue to flee fighting in Mosul, humanitarian needs for those inside the city increase and winter conditions exacerbate children.

    The new contribution from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) brings the total amount of ECHO assistance committed to UNICEF Iraq in 2016 to 20 million euros.

    "With the military operations in Mosul at their tipping point and fighting ongoing in Hawija and Telafar, it is crucial to increase protection and principled, lifesaving humanitarian assistance to all people in need," said Jean Louis De Brouwer, Director of Operations at ECHO for European, Eastern Neighbourhood and Middle East, according to the UN News Center.

Source: QNA