Children suffering in Mali conflict, warns World Vision
There could be "severe humanitarian consequences" for children in Mali unless immediate steps are taken to guarantee their security, says World Vision.
“Children are especially vulnerable when military operations are launched, and this latest move has to be managed carefully and those who would like to flee have a safe passage out,” says Chance Briggs, the head of World Vision’s Mali office.
France began its military intervention in Mali on Friday in a bid to bring Islamist militants under control.
French fighters have launched air strikes on insurgent training camps, reportedly killing scores of rebels.
World Vision called upon governments involved in the northern offensive to take steps to ensure the safety of children and access for humanitarian organisations like World Vision.
“It would be intolerable to see more children separated from their parents, displaced from their homes, or cramped in refugee camps for weeks on end, not knowing where to go next or when they will be able to begin rebuilding their lives," said Briggs.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that more than 400,000 people have fled their homes, and World Vision fears that the military offensive will displace thousands more.
Briggs added: “Last year was a particularly difficult year for children around the country, and the ongoing conflict in the north threatens them further. Their needs must be prioritised, and international humanitarian law abided by at every step."
Tags : Mali children World Vision
Hot Trends
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Brandon Lake Set to Perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Jelly Roll
-
Lulu Roman, Beloved 'Hee Haw' Star and Gospel Music Icon, Dies
-
Franklin Graham's "Easter from the Ashes" Features Charity Gayle and Michael W. Smith
-
The Gaither Vocal Band Says Farewell to Two Members
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Abbie Parker Leaves I AM THEY Band
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Lauren Daigle Announces Return to the Road in May
-
Oak Ridge Boys' William Lee Golden Re-tells the Story of the Prodigal in New Autobiography
-
Former Rock Star Tour Manager Kelly K Shares About His Near-Death Accident, Coming to Christ, His New Book & More
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Pam Linton Opens Up About the Carter Family, Music that Endures and Her New Album
-
Elias Drummer of The City Harmonic Talks About Why the Band is Disbanding & Their Final Record
-
Here Are the Lyrics of Brandon Heath and Tasha Layton's "God Made a Way"
Most Popular
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Brandon Lake Set to Perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Jelly Roll
-
Lulu Roman, Beloved 'Hee Haw' Star and Gospel Music Icon, Dies
-
Franklin Graham's "Easter from the Ashes" Features Charity Gayle and Michael W. Smith
-
The Gaither Vocal Band Says Farewell to Two Members
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Abbie Parker Leaves I AM THEY Band
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Lauren Daigle Announces Return to the Road in May
-
Oak Ridge Boys' William Lee Golden Re-tells the Story of the Prodigal in New Autobiography
-
Former Rock Star Tour Manager Kelly K Shares About His Near-Death Accident, Coming to Christ, His New Book & More
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Pam Linton Opens Up About the Carter Family, Music that Endures and Her New Album
-
Elias Drummer of The City Harmonic Talks About Why the Band is Disbanding & Their Final Record
-
Here Are the Lyrics of Brandon Heath and Tasha Layton's "God Made a Way"