REPORT: 2014 a "devastating year" for children

The year 2014 has been described by the UN Children's Fund [UNICEF] as a "devastating" 12 months for millions of children in many parts of the world.

Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director said that young people have been orphaned, kidnapped, tortured, recruited, raped and even sold as slaves.

He said that "never in recent memory" have so many been subjected to what he called "unspeakable brutality."

UNICEF said that worsening conflicts across the globe saw young people exposed to extreme violence.

As many as 15 million children are caught up in violent conflicts in the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, the State of Palestine, Syria and Ukraine.

In 2014, hundreds of children have been kidnapped from their schools or on their way to school.

Tens of thousands have been recruited or used by armed forces and groups.

Attacks on education and health facilities and the use of schools for military purposes have increased in many places.

Credit: Famagusta Gazette