Reports of Children Choking, Convulsing and Foaming at the Mouth in Douma Statement from Save the Children’s Syria Response Director

 In the wake of a suspected chemical attack on civilians in Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Save the Children’s Syria Response Director, Sonia Khush, made the following statement:

“We are horrified by reports of a suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma, Eastern Ghouta. While we can’t confirm what happened on Saturday night, it is clear that once again children have been killed and injured in indiscriminate attacks. Our partners report helping children who were choking, foaming at the mouth and convulsing in a chaotic situation.

“The children of Eastern Ghouta have already suffered through five years of siege and violence. They have been denied education, food, healthcare, and forced to live in basements for months on end to shelter from attacks. Now, as thousands of people flee their homes, those who have survived the bombardment face an uncertain future.

“We need the nationwide ceasefire that was agreed by the UN Security Council in February to be implemented immediately, and the UN and ICRC granted access to all areas of Eastern Ghouta, including Douma. Following months of intense fighting, displaced civilians and those who choose to remain in their homes need urgent humanitarian support.  International investigators must be allowed to enter Douma to investigate the alleged chemical attack – we cannot continue to allow the slaughter of children by all sides in Syria to continue with impunity.”

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Learn more at www.SavetheChildren.org.