The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund said it has provided 5,129 out-of-school children, impacted by Boko Haram in Borno State, with psychosocial support services aimed at improving their mental health.

UNICEF also called for the protection of children from the short and long-term effects of conflict.

It said while 12-year-old conflict still rages on, more than 300,000 children have been killed in Nigeria’s north-east, and over one million have been displaced.

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It noted that through the European Union-funded Support to Early Recovery and Resilience Project, implemented by UNICEF, at least 5,129 conflict-affected out-of-school children in Borno, are receiving services including mental health support in safe spaces to strengthen their well-being, resilience, literacy skills and self-reliance.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, said, “The scars of conflict are real and enduring for children. Too many children in north-east Nigeria are falling victim to a conflict they did not start. Attacks against children must stop immediately. In the meantime, we are committed to working with our partners to provide psychosocial and other support to conflict-affected children so they can regain their childhood and restart their lives.’’

According to EU Head of Cooperation Cecile Tassin-Pelzer, “Addressing the psychosocial well-being and development of children and teachers in conflict situations is an important part of re-establishing education provision and enabling children to re-enter schools safely.”