UNICEF warns that more than half a million children at “direct risk” in Libya

More than half a million children are at “direct risk” in Libya as renegade general Khalifa Haftar’s forces advance on the United Nations-recognized government in the capital of Tripoli, according to UNICEF.

In a statement, the UN agency called on all parties to refrain from “committing grave violations against children” — including the recruitment of children as soldiers. The agency said it would remain on the ground during the conflict to provide support to children and their families.

On Thursday Haftar ordered the Libyan National Army (LNA) under his command to march on Tripoli in a bid to take the capital from the government.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that least 47 people were killed and 181 wounded in the first three days of fighting in the beleaguered North African country.
Nine of the dead are civilians, including two doctors working to provide critical healthcare in Tripoli, the WHO said. About 3,400 people have been displaced, according to UN estimates.

Via CNN and UNICEF