WASHINGTON
The United States State Department said it was “deeply disturbed” by a United Nations (U.N.) report which alleged that the Syrian government has subjected children to torture, sexual abuse and killing, and that the opposition has used child soldiers in its fight against the government.
“We, of course, are deeply disturbed by the contents of this report. We strongly condemn the mistreatment and torture of children in any conflict,” State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told the press Wednesday.
She added: “While there have been too many tragic stories coming from Syria throughout the conflict, the impact on the youngest victims is the most disturbing and must stop.”
Lashing out at the use of child soldiers, she said, “We condemn the use of child soldiers in Syria and around the world. The use of children in armed conflict is morally reprehensible and the United States does not support or condone this activity.”
She added the U.S. will continue to work both within the administration and with its international partners to address the conflict.
Valerie Amos, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief, will brief the Security Council on February 13, according to Psaki.
“Her briefing will provide important information for the Security Council as it considers any future action to support humanitarian access. And, you know, that's something obviously we're closely engaged with,” she added.
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