New York: The United Nations child agency has sought 42 million dollars from international donors to provide relief over the next six months to Iraqi children affected by violence and displacement, including those that have fled to Jordan and Syria with their families.

"Humanitarian aid offers a lifeline to Iraq's children and stepping up support now is the best way to protect and invest in Iraq's future," said Daniel Toole, Acting Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF and Chief of Emergency Operations.

"Plans are in place to reach Iraq's most vulnerable children with basic health, water, sanitation and education support, particularly displaced children living in host communities, as well as children living in Iraq's most violent districts," Toole added.

UNICEF will also help the Jordanian and Syrian governments in providing quality social services for the growing population of Iraqi children. Initial priorities in these countries include ensuring that Iraqi children have full access to the classroom, health care and protection from exploitation.

Since 2003, nearly 15 per cent of Iraq's population have fled their homes - four million people, half of them children. Many are seeking refuge in communities that are already poor or hit by violence, pressuring already weakened social services.

Those seeking refuge outside Iraq face an uncertain future. Complications over residency status may deter many from seeking health care or enrolling children in school.