Unicef launches $2.2 bn aid appeal

Geneva, Feb 22: The UN Children's Fund (Unicef) has launched a record $2.2 billion appeal to aid 85 million people, including 59 million

in

situations in 2014.

A large share of the would-be-raised fund would be used to respond to Syrian crisis, Xinhua reported Friday.

For Syria and the sub-region, Unicef appealed for $835 million, equal to nearly 40 per cent of the total, to deliver life-saving assistance and to support social cohesion and peace-building skills needed to build a more sustainable future.

"Children are always the most vulnerable group in emergencies, facing a high risk of violence, exploitation, disease and neglect. But when support is made available, we can change the lives of children for the better," said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF's Director of Emergency Programs, in a statement.

IANS