UNICEF

UNICEF is outraged by the killing of two drivers of trucks contracted by UNICEF to provide clean water to families in the Gaza Strip. The victims were killed by Israeli fire in an incident that took place early this morning at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza. UNICEF extends our condolences to the families of the men killed. Full statement: unicef.link/4cVCyP9

#ForEveryChild, everywhere and always, peace.

UNICEF welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in #Lebanon last night. This step offers a critical opportunity to protect children and families who have endured immense suffering. Over the past 46 days, children have paid a devastating price. At least 172 children have reportedly been killed and 661 injured. More than 415,000 children have been displaced. This ceasefire must hold. We reiterate the United Nations Secretary General call for everyone to fully respect the ceasefire and to comply with international law at all times. Children need more than a pause in hostilities – they need a real chance to recover. Recovery will take time as widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and infrastructure will limit children’s access to essential services. Restoring education, healthcare, water systems, and other basic services is a priority. UNICEF continues to work with the Lebanese government and partners to meet urgent needs to support the path to recovery. It calls on all countries and donors to urgently join these efforts to ensure children have access to the protection, care, and opportunities they need - to heal, rebuild their lives, and reach their full potential.

Eleven years after the deadliest known shipwreck in the Mediterranean, people are still losing their lives. Hundreds have already died or gone missing this year. Many children making the journey are travelling alone. Protecting children on the move must remain a priority.

A heartwarming moment amid heartbreaking ones. This is the story of how friends Mahdi, 12, and Mohamad, 9, found each other again in a shelter after being displaced for the second time in Lebanon. Watch and share.

Three years of war in Sudan. Three years of loss, pain and conflict with children paying the highest price. Childhood cannot survive three years of war without consequences. But children continue to hope. Hope is not enough. unicef.link/4muzOMV

“I want [adults] to stop the war.” Three years. Five million children displaced. Thousands of children killed or maimed. Losing homes, loved ones, their access to education and their rights. Watch what the children of Sudan have to say.

“There is no justification for violence against children. It reflects a collective failure by parties to the conflict to protect the most basic rights of children.” - @unicefchief UNICEF on 3 years of conflict in Sudan and impact on children: unicef.link/4tKazIL

In South Sudan, the destruction of infrastructure is disrupting access to essential services for children and their families. UNICEF’s @TedChaiban explains how health services have been impacted and calls for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

“There is no longer a safe place in Lebanon.” From Beirut, @UNICEFLebanon's Christophe Boulierac shares how the lives of children and families were shattered in mere minutes on 8 April 2026. A wave of bombardments tore through communities, reportedly killing 33 children and injuring 153. Watch and share to join us in calling for the protection of children and civilians in Lebanon.

Nothing can reverse the horrific consequences of explosive weapons on children - lost lives, injuries, disabilities, psychological wounds and emotional toll. That’s why we must continue calling on governments to end their use in populated areas. Join us by sharing this message.

The intensification of hostilities in Lebanon continues to exact a devastating and inhumane toll on children. 

In just minutes yesterday, as news of a regional ceasefire agreement briefly ignited hope across the country, deadly Israeli airstrikes struck across Lebanon, reportedly killing 33 children and injuring 153.
unicef.org/press-releases…

Through the sounds of her life and her written thoughts, 12-year-old Fatima shares a day in Gaza with us. UNICEF continues to address children’s needs on the ground. This includes supporting spaces where children like Fatima can learn and to begin to build their futures.

Massive devastation following the Israeli strikes across #Lebanon. Homes destroyed. Communities shattered. Many lives lost. Children reported among the victims. Civilians, in particular children, must be protected at all times, and international humanitarian law must be fully respected.

Imagine being a mother afraid she won’t be able to hold her children because of bombardments. Imagine being a teenager, constantly on edge, without access to information, worried for their family. These are some of the experiences of children and parents in Iran living through war in the Middle East. UNICEF in Iran is working with partners to engage families and respond to their needs, with a focus on mental health and psychosocial support.

They met in displacement. They lost each other when the war ended. And now, they have found each other again. Mahdi, 12, and Mohamad, 9, are once again displaced by violence in Lebanon. But even in uncertainty, their friendship endures. Children need more than survival. They need stability, protection and peace. Violence must stop. Now.

UNICEF has received reports of mobilization campaigns in Iran that include children, and of children working at checkpoints. We call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop any recruitment of children. Recruitment and use of children by armed forces or groups is a grave violation of children’s rights.

Unexploded ordnance like mines have killed or injured more than 660 children in Syria in 2025. This #MineAwarenessDay, watch as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Muzoon Almellehan explains how UNICEF and partners are working for every child’s safety and protection in Syria.

Children are using theatre - and some great acting - to raise awareness of the dangers of unexploded ordnance in Tigray, Ethiopia. Share, it’s #MineAwarenessDay.

Children do not start wars, but they pay an unacceptably high price. We must continue to reject this new normal and demand the protection of children in conflict everywhere, always. Share if you agree.