UNICEF

In Lebanon, at least 116 children have been reportedly killed and more than 356 injured, as of mid March. Nour, 14, and Zahraa, 12, share their stories. Listen to them and join us in calling for the protection of all children.

Every child, everywhere, deserves to see their fifth birthday. Millions of children are alive today because of vaccines, skilled birth attendants, strengthened health systems and the commitment of families and communities. But today, those gains are at risk of being reversed.

In Afghanistan, children and families are arriving from Iran after difficult journeys. With partners, UNICEF is working to ensure essential services for them, including nutrition and health, safe water, vaccinations, and child protection. Children must be protected and supported at all times.

As needs grow in Iran, UNICEF is supporting efforts to restore access to essential health services for children and families. In coordination with the Ministry of Health, 2 mobile health units, 8 primary healthcare (PHC) tents, and 81 emergency primary healthcare kits have been deployed. Additional supplies—including 2 more PHC tents and 131 emergency kits—are being delivered, helping reach at least 226,000 people. We are also scaling up our psychosocial support to children impacted by the escalation. Children must be protected and have access to the care they urgently need.

Are social media bans the best way to keep your child safe online? You might be thinking that, but age limits alone will not fix broken systems. Here are 3 things that need to happen to truly protect children in digital spaces.

Global progress on child mortality continues to slow as 4.9 million children under five died in 2024. Learn more: unicef.link/3NwbvkD

Two young siblings killed in Tammun over the weekend as child casualties continue. Statement by UNICEF Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder, on the killing of Palestinian children in the West Bank: unicef.link/3PgiYEX

For Alawiya, teaching creates purpose, even through her sorrow. Despite the pain of being displaced from Al Fasher, Sudan, and her husband missing, Alawiya helps restore children’s hopes and dreams in this UNICEF-supported learning space. Watch and share her story.

Children in Gaza have endured - and continue to endure - brutal violations of their basic rights: to life, education, and health. Amid the coverage of the tragic deaths, injuries, losses and suffering, what has been less visible is something else equally important: what they want, in their own voices. UNICEF and partners engaged over 1600 children in Gaza to understand this. Their answers were clear: safety, shelter, school, play, hospitals. Listening to children is imperative - the Gaza they want is the Gaza they have the right to grow up in.

“This reported attack is an outrageous violation of children’s right to safety & protection,” said Sheldon Yett, @UNICEF Representative for #Sudan. Schools must never be targets. unicef.org/sudan/press-re…

Ten days into the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, the situation is becoming catastrophic for millions of children across the region. Since 28 February, more than 1,100 children have been reported injured or killed in the violence: unicef.link/4rt3WsT

UNICEF is devastated and outraged that our colleague Karine Buisset was killed in a reported drone strike on a building housing aid workers in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. unicef.link/4sI7hp6

All of us at UNICEF are devastated and outraged by the killing of our colleague Karine Buisset in a reported drone attack in Goma, DRC. My immediate thoughts are with the family, loved ones & colleagues across UNICEF. Civilians, including aid workers, must never be targeted.

The impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East is creating immediate risks for children across borders. @UNICEFAfg's Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale on UNICEF’s response as children and families return to Afghanistan from Iran. ⬇️ unicef.org/press-releases…

“As military strikes continue across the country, children are being killed and injured at a horrifying rate, families are fleeing their homes in fear, and thousands of children are now sleeping in cold and overcrowded shelters.” - @UNICEFmena's @E_Beigbeder on the rise in child casualties amid escalating hostilities in Lebanon. Learn more: unicef.link/4b0z3Ho

Each day brings more horror, death & destruction for children across the Middle East & beyond. Children are killed and injured. Schools, hospitals, homes and desalination plants that provide safe water are being hit. Children and the services they rely on must be protected.

In conflicts and emergencies, girls and women are often worst affected. Violence and displacement become widespread. Education and healthcare are disrupted. The risk of child marriage rises. Opportunities disappear. In times of crisis, girls’ futures are often pushed aside. Across the world, UNICEF and partners are working to protect girls’ rights, supporting their safety, education and access to services that help them build their futures.

In conflicts children are more likely than adults to be killed or maimed by explosive weapons. Learn how explosive weapons threaten children’s lives. Children must be protected at all costs.

In the first 72 hours of displacement, UNICEF deployed Rapid Response Teams across shelters in Lebanon to identify urgent needs and deliver life-saving support. Families forced to flee their homes with almost nothing received safe drinking water, baby kits, hygiene supplies, winter clothing, sleeping bags and daily meals, while water and sanitation services were strengthened inside shelters. These early hours are critical. Access to essential supplies and services helps protect children and families from immediate health risks in crowded shelter settings. UNICEF continues to scale up its response to ensure children and families receive the protection, services and support they urgently need.