Unicef launches record $2.2bn crisis appeal

GENEVA: UNICEF launched a record $2.2 billion aid appeal on Friday to help tens of millions of children around the world, saying the lion’s share was to deal with the Syria war. “Children are always the most vulnerable group in emergencies, facing a high risk of violence, exploitation, disease and neglect,” said Ted Chaiban, head of emergency operations at the UN children’s agency. The appeal outstripped the call for $1.4 billion made by Unicef at the beginning of 2013, and which was revised to $1.7 billion in

October.