UN seeks 1.28 billion dollars to assist children in 25 countries

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Friday appealed for 1.28 billion dollars so it can provide humanitarian assistance to children in over 25 countries this year, DPA reported.

UNICEF said nearly one-third of total amount would go to help children suffering from drought and famine in countries in the Horn of Africa.

"We have achieved many positive results in emergency settings in 2011, but the urgent and long-term needs of millions of children and their families will continue in 2012," said Rima Salah, who is UNICEF's acting deputy executive director.

UNICEF said children in other African countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad and the Central African Republic also need emergency assistance because they are among the most vulnerable.

The appeal will also cover needs of children among the estimated 5 million people affected for the second year by flooding in Pakistan, and children who survived the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010.