A child reported raped every half an hour in eastern DRC, as violence rages amid a growing funding crisis This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF spokesperson James Elder – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva GOMA, Democratic Republic … Continued

World must act with urgency to save Palestinians in Gaza Statement by heads of OCHA, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNRWA, WFP and WHO NEW YORK, AMMAN, COPENHAGEN, GENEVA, ROME, 7 April 2025 – “For over a month, no commercial or humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza.  “More than 2.1 million people are trapped, bombed and starved again, while, … Continued

NEW YORK/AMMAN, 31 March 2025 – The breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of intense bombardments and ground operations in the Gaza Strip has reportedly left at least 322 children dead and 609 injured – constituting a daily average of more than 100 children killed or maimed over the past ten days. Most of these children were … Continued

This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF’s Deputy Representative, Julia Rees – to whom quoted text may be attributed – on the current situation in Myanmar at today’s Palais briefing  YANGON/GENEVA, 1 April 2025 – “The deadliest earthquake to hit Myanmar in many decades has hit children the hardest.  “I have just returned … Continued

Multiple disease outbreaks heighten public health emergencies for children across Eastern and Southern Africa 17 out of 21 countries in the region are experiencing one or more disease outbreaks   NAIROBI, 19 February 2025 – Public health emergencies, including outbreaks of cholera, mpox and, more recently, viral haemorrhagic fevers, are posing significant threats to the … Continued

One in five children in Ukraine reported losing a close relative or friend This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Ukraine Chief of Advocacy and Communication, Toby Fricker – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva ZAPORIZHZHIA/GENEVA, 21 February 2025 … Continued

Statement by UNICEF Ireland Executive Director on Ceasefire in Gaza Peter Power is available for interview DUBLIN, 15 January 2025 – UNICEF Ireland welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, marking a critical step toward ending the devastating cycle of violence that has wrought unimaginable suffering for children and families. While the cessation of … Continued

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