Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon NEW YORK, 26 November 2024 – “UNICEF welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, which we hope will bring an end to the war which has killed more than 240 children, injured around 1,400, and upended the lives of countless others. “This is an essential first step toward allowing communities to heal and … Continued

UN agencies warn of spiraling Sudan crisis as civilians face grave risks and famine threat grows amid access barriers Joint Statement by UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban PORT SUDAN, 25 October 2024 – The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to spiral, with millions of people in … Continued

Statement by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban on the near-blockade of aid and access in North Gaza NEW YORK, 18 October 2024 – “The situation in northern Gaza is extremely grave. Renewed mass forced displacement, increased conflict, and ongoing military obstruction that amounts to an effective-blockade has cut … Continued

Leading global businesses and organizations join UNICEF to demand increased investment and action on child and youth mental health An open letter, signed by more than 40 entities and published at the UN General Assembly, calls for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the mental health funding gap. NEW YORK, September 24, 2024 – Today at … Continued

Mpox outbreak raises alarm in Eastern and Southern Africa as cases increase among children – UNICEF  Concerns over new public health emergency rise as communities grapple with other ongoing crises. 22 August 2024 – Children and vulnerable communities are at the sharp end of an expanding outbreak of mpox in Eastern and Southern Africa. More than … Continued

Children at significant risk from surging mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – UNICEF  New variant adds extra burden for children and families living through conflict and displacement 19 August 2024 – Thousands of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries are at significant risk of contracting the … Continued

At least five children reportedly killed and 20 injured in shelling of school and market in El Obeid city, Sudan Statement by UNICEF Sudan Representative Sheldon Yett   August 15, 2024 – “Yesterday, five girls were reportedly killed and 20 children injured in attacks in El Obeid city in Kordofan state, during which shells hit … Continued

Humanitarian pauses vital for critical polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip  August 16, 2024 – Two rounds of a polio vaccination campaign are expected to be launched at the end of August and September 2024 across the Gaza Strip to prevent the spread of circulating variant type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2). WHO and UNICEF request … Continued

Almost half a billion children live in areas experiencing at least twice as many extremely hot days as their grandparents – UNICEF Eight countries, including Mali, Niger, Senegal, South Sudan and Sudan, are home to children who spend more than half the year in temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius August 14, 2024 – One in … Continued

Unrelenting war in Gaza continues to inflict horrors on children This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Communication Officer Salim Oweis  – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Salim Oweis is available for interview.  August 9, 2024 – “The … Continued

Statement by UNICEF Regional Director Adele Khodr on the impact of the recent violence and attacks in the Middle East on children    August 8, 2024 – “Children in many countries in the Middle East are facing a harsh reality today more than ever before – life shrouded by uncertainty and violence. “The surge in … Continued

Famine confirmed in Sudan’s North Darfur, confirming UN agencies worst fears Other parts of Sudan risk famine if concerted action is not taken.   August 2, 2024 – After more than 15 months of war in Sudan, a catastrophic combination of conflict, displacement and humanitarian access constraints has resulted in famine in a camp sheltering … Continued