Children at 'high risk' in Somalia

Children in Somalia are being put at a high risk of disease and malnutrition due to fighting in the country, a major humanitarian organisation has warned.

The situation in the country's capital, Mogadishu, is particularly pressing, with the conflict preventing families from both accessing services and leaving the city, according to UNICEF executive director Anne M Veneman.

She highlighted food and water shortages as factors contributing to the children's plight, before calling for the establishment of safe zones where children and their families can access the services and provisions they require.

"UNICEF staff on the ground report critical shortages of food, water, and medicine - putting children at high risk of disease and malnutrition. Children are also suffering from exhaustion and emotional trauma," Ms Veneman said.

"Safe zones must be created where children and families can find assistance and stability," she added.

UNICEF recently reported that up to 200,000 people have been displaced from Mogadishu as a result of the current conflict, with many living in camps outside the city.

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