"Children in Northern Mali are no longer on the brink of disaster," says UNICEF Mali Deputy Representative Frederic Sizaret, "Now it is here." Citing recent reports, Sizaret adds: "Far too many are suffering from under nutrition, displacement,  many are out of school, and now there are credible reports of grave violations of child rights." According to UNICEF, more than 300,000 people from the north, half of them children, are now displaced elsewhere in Mali or in neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, the insecurity is hampering the delivery of aid to those who remain. Recent reports say women and girls are being kidnapped and children are being recruited into the armed groups. Landmines on the ground have already killed several children.  Reliefweb, 08/05/12