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Stories

UNICEF’s blank statement on Syria

UNICEF has taken the unusual step of issuing a blank statement in the aftermath of the latest violence in Syria. The blank statement has been sent to all media outlets. See it reproduced below.   Statement The War ON Children in Syria   Reports of mass casualties among children in Eastern Ghouta and Damascus   … Continued

80% of teens hold themselves responsible for their safety online

  UNICEF Ireland polled 400 Irish teens for Safer Internet Day in early February, the results were surprising. Answering anonymously, almost half admitted lying about their age online in order to get around built-in safety measures on various platforms. A further 6% admitted maintaining fake profiles, while 3% own a secret phone. Full results available … Continued

1 in 4 children live in conflict or disaster zones

UNICEF has launched an appeal for $3.6 billion to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to 48 million children living through conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies in 51 countries around the world in 2018. One in four of the world’s children live in a country affected by conflict or disaster. Around the world, violent conflict is … Continued

Surviving Winter in Syria

The coming winter is the latest threat to Syrian children. Freezing temperatures, snow and heavy rain will make life a struggle for children who have been forced from their homes. “The winter months are even more brutal for children inside Syria,” says Hanaa Singer, UNICEF Syria Representative describing her visit to Aleppo. “I saw children … Continued

Winter: a desperate struggle for children in Syria

Conflict has changed every part of Syria over the past six years, including winter. Any happy memories of snow filled streets and fields are now gone. Forced to flee their homes and live in camps and shelters offering little protection from the cold, winter is a real struggle for children in Syria. “I couldn’t play … Continued

Rankin & Bastille collaborate on powerful child refugee video

  “I am a child, not a threat” Renowned photographer and director Rankin has joined forces with UNICEF to create a short film highlighting the plight of children uprooted by war, poverty and disaster, especially those separated from their families as they become refugees. The thought-provoking video urges people to see past the refugee and … Continued

Less than 11 months since Matthew, will Irma be kind to Haiti?

  Haiti has been battered in recent years, by storms, hurricanes and the devastating 2010 earthquake. What will 2017 hold for Haiti, and how will she fare? Prepared by Victoria Maskell In recent years, Haiti has been battered by storms, hurricanes and the devastating impact of the 2010 earthquake. When I arrived in Haiti less … Continued

Protecting children’s education during emergencies

  Education is a crucial part of any child’s life, but for children in emergencies, it becomes lifesaving. War, conflict and natural disasters have a devastating effect on children’s lives. Emergencies turn children’s lives upside down in an instant, often taking away their homes, family members, friends, safety and routine. “Although it might not seem like … Continued

On the ground in Sierra Leone after mudslide sweeps away homes

On the night of Monday 13 August 2017, Sierra Leone’s capital city Freetown experienced torrential rains and landslides. The Government has confirmed that at least 297 people have died – including 109 children. The death toll is expected to rise significantly, since 600 people – including children – are still unaccounted for. Initial assessments of the … Continued

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