Ninety-nine per cent of world’s children live with some form of pandemic-related restrictions; sixty per cent live in countries with full or partial lockdowns Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore DUBLIN/NEW YORK, 9 April 2020 – “The world is currently united in a shared struggle against an invisible enemy. But while our eyes are … Continued

COPENHAGEN/NEW YORK, 27 March 2020 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow, UNICEF is procuring and shipping vital supplies, including desperately required personal protective equipment (PPE), to countries affected. UNICEF is engaged with approximately 1,000 suppliers and industry leaders across the world, to find a solution to current market constraints. Despite the extreme market conditions, … Continued

UN launches global humanitarian response plan to COVID-19 pandemic  Remarks by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore (check against delivery)    NOTE: Multimedia assets here NOTE: UNICEF Ireland Exec. Dir. Peter Power is available for interview on the impending global Covid-19 humanitarian crisis, and impact on children*   NEW YORK, 25 March 2020 – “In just a … Continued

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan UN humanitarian chief warns that failing to help vulnerable countries fight the coronavirus now could place millions at risk and leave the virus free to circle back around the globe. UN launches US$2 billion global humanitarian response to fight COVID-19 in … Continued

Interruption to key water station in the northeast of Syria puts 460,000 people at risk as efforts ramp up to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease From Fran Equiza, UNICEF Representative in Syria DAMASCUS, 23 March 2020 – “Yet again the water supply from the Allouk water station in the northeast of Syria has been interrupted. … Continued

Over 9,000 children killed or injured in the conflict, according to verified data Click here if you’d like to donate to the Syrian Crisis AMMAN/NEW YORK, 15 March 2020 – Some 4.8 million children were born in Syria since the conflict began nine years ago. An additional 1 million were born as refugees in neighbouring countries. … Continued

Guidance includes practical actions and checklists for administrators, teachers, parents and children NOTE: Download the joint guidance on protecting children and schools from Covid-19 DUBLIN/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 10 March 2020 – The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) today issued new guidance to help … Continued

Statement attributable to Ms. Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia and Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe     GENEVA, 3 March 2020 – “The reported death of a child, among nearly 50 people aboard a boat which capsized off the Greek island of Lesvos yesterday, is … Continued

  STATEMENT Statement attributable to Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa UNICEF spokespeople in the region are available for interview Multimedia materials are available here AMMAN/DUBLIN, 27 February 2020 – “Once again we are shocked at a wave of unrelenting violence that saw at least nine children and three teachers … Continued

Health and future of every child worldwide under immediate threat from ecological degradation, climate change and exploitative marketing NEW YORK/ LONDON/ GENEVA/ DUBLIN, 19 February: No single country is adequately protecting children’s health, their environment and their futures, finds a landmark report released today by a Commission of over 40 child and adolescent health experts, … Continued

  PRESS RELEASE  Over half a million children in northwest Syria forced to flee amid continued violence and harsh weather 77 children killed or injured in the fightings since the beginning of the year UNICEF spokespersons in the region are available for interview New multimedia materials available here: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AM4080EHO1F GENEVA/AMMAN/NEW YORK/DUBLIN, 18 February 2020 – More than … Continued

  DUBLIN/DAKAR, 3 February 2020 – The number of people facing a critical lack of food and vital livelihood opportunities in the Central Sahel has spiked in one year due to rising insecurity and climatic shocks. The situation may further deteriorate unless the international community acts now, three United Nations agencies warned today. Despite an … Continued