Saida arrived at the Choucha camp on the Tunisian-Libyan border on March 8. She may be only 6, but she is used to life as a refugee. Saida was born in Somalia, but when she was just 8 months old, her mother and father moved to Khartoum, Sudan, to look for work. Two years later, … Continued

RAS JDIR, Tunisia, 21 March 2011 – A UNICEF-supported campaign led by the Tunisian Ministry of Health has been vaccinating children under the age of five living in the largest temporary camp on the Tunisia-Libya border. Field report by Roshan Khadivi. UNICEF reports on an emergency vaccination campaign that was initiated for children living in … Continued

By 9 March, an estimated 115,000 people had crossed the border into Tunisia to escape the growing conflict in Libya. An additional 101,000 people have also crossed from Libya into Egypt, creating emergency conditions in all three countries. A total of 227,000 people have fled Libya; they are primarily male migrant workers, both returnees and … Continued

Some 47 tons of UNICEF supplies have arrived in the town of Ben Guerdane near the Tunisian-Libyan border, to cover needs in the areas of health, child protection, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene. “As more families are crossing the border to flee the violence, UNICEF and partners are stepping up their response to meet their … Continued

“We stand ready to assist them as they have helped so many others” UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake today issued a statement conveying the organization’s deep concern and support for the Japanese people in the aftermath of the Japan quake, a real disaster they have experienced in recent days. “As the world unites in support … Continued

  BREAKING NEWS UNICEF is closely monitoring the situation following a tsunami warning that has been issued for the entire Pacific basin, except for the mainland United States and Canada. Among the countries for which a tsunami warning is in effect are: Russia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, … Continued

RAS JDIR, Tunisia, 9 March 2011 – Desperate to earn money for her family, Joy left her four-year-old son in her mother’s care in Nigeria two years ago and moved to Libya to work as a cleaner. Now, seven and a half months pregnant, she is sitting in a camp at the Tunisia-Libya border, waiting … Continued

As violence mounts in Libya, the border is overflowing with fleeing migrants. In the last two weeks, more than 100,000 have crossed the Libya-Tunisia border on their way to their countries of origin. Report by Najwa Mekki Upon arrival at the border at Ras Jdir, migrants are received at a transit area where volunteers, the … Continued

On the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, UNICEF draws attention to the 515 million adolescent girls in the developing world who can help their families, communities and countries to prosper if they are empowered with education and skills. Secondary education is critical to girls’ development, empowerment and protection. It contributes to greater civic participation, … Continued

As tens of thousands flee into Egypt and Tunisia to escape the escalating conflict in Libya, UNICEF is sending relief supplies to help meet the immediate needs of women and children at risk. In support of this emergency effort, the organization is appealing for $7.2 million in additional funding. VIDEO: 3 March 2011 – UNICEF … Continued

As concern mounts over the influx of returnees and migrant workers to Tunisia, UNICEF is mobilizing staff and relief supplies to the western and eastern borders of Libya. UNICEF Director of Emergency Operations, Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault arrived Wednesday in Tunisia to meet with government authorities, UN agencies and the National Red Crescent to discuss the … Continued

As the refugee crisis in Libya continues, UNICEF has launched the Libya Crisis Children’s Appeal US$7.2 million. Teams of experts have been assembled by UNICEF to fly into Tunisia and Egypt, with another team on standby for Libya. Up to 100,000 people have so far fled the unrest in Libya to the Tunisian border in … Continued