UNICEF launches biggest funding appeal for children of Syria

UNICEF has launched a campaign seeking $835 million to fund its response to the urgent humanitarian needs of children affected by the Syria crisis in 2014, read a report by the United Nations Radio. The funds being requested – a 77 per cent increase over last year – are the largest amount ever sought from donors by the UN children's agency in its 67 year history, and was part of a broader appeal launched by the United Nations and its partner agencies in Geneva. The Regional Response Plan 6 (RRP6) and Syrian Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan (SHARP) cover the needs of Syria and five neighbouring countries (Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt) in 2014 at a total budget of USD 6.5 billion. The ongoing conflict, violence, displacement of civilians and economic decline in Syria is expected to continue in 2014. Currently, UNICEF estimates there are more than 4 million children in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria, in addition to 1.1 million living outside the country as refugees.