WASHINGTON, December 16 (Sputnik) – The European Commission (EC) is deeply concerned by the recent report from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on the number of children affected by wars and conflicts in 2014, EC spokeswoman Catherine Ray has told Sputnik.
"We [EC] have read with concern UNICEF's report. The figures are shocking and a sad confirmation of the fact that we live in a world of multiple and complex emergencies," Ray said Monday.
Last week, UNICEF declared 2014 a devastating year for millions of children, with 15 million of them caught up in ongoing conflicts around the world and 230 million children currently living in conflict-torn areas.
"Children are among the most vulnerable victims of conflict and the European Commission is concerned about the impact of war on so many children's development and future," Ray stressed, adding, however, that the European Union is a "firm believer" that children in conflict countries and areas still have a chance to reach their potential.
"Every year, we support millions of children around the world with humanitarian aid, with advocacy and with efforts to raise awareness about their difficulties and needs. The EU and its Member States are among the top donors of assistance to children affected by armed conflict," Ray said, stressing that the European Commission plans to continue its "EU Children of Peace" initiative, aimed at creating a safe environment for children to in conflict areas to grow up and facilitating their access to education.
According to the European Commission website, in 2013, the "EU Children of Peace" supported nearly 30,000 children in Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, Ecuador, Iraq and Pakistan. This year, the initiative is helping bring educational and psychological support to more than 80,000 children affected by war worldwide.
