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Living somewhere unsafe or affected by armed conflict can cause feelings such as fear, sadness, anger, and hopelessness. With this reality in mind, UNICEF and the World Health Organization have collaborated to develop “My Hero is You: Supporting each other when wars come,” a story developed for and by children around the world. The story aims to …, “My Hero is You: How kids can fight COVID-19!”, “My Hero is You: Supporting each other when wars come” built on the experience of two books developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, “My Hero is You: how kids can fight COVID-19!” offered a way for children and parents to together think about the questions the pandemic raised. Designed to be read by a parent, caregiver or teacher alongside…, “My Hero is You 2021: How kids can hope with COVID-19!”, A year later, “My Hero is You 2021: How kids can hope with COVID-19!” drew on the daily realities of millions of children by COVID-19. The story – aimed primarily at children aged 6-11 years – saw the return of Ario, a fantasy creature who travels the world helping children to find hope in the future and joy in simple pleasures. Together with old…

In conflicts around the world, civilians continue to endure the devastating consequences of the use of explosive weapons. Every year, thousands of children are killed, seriously injured or have their lives severely altered – during armed conflict and long after hostilities have ended. As armed conflicts have increasingly been fought in cities,…, Why children are particularly vulnerable to explosive weapons, Child survivors of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) endure devastating physical injuries. Some lose their sight, hearing or limbs, while others lose the ability to speak. Children who have been injured, especially those left with disabilities, have different physical rehabilitation needs to adults and, in situations where resources are…, How UNICEF is responding, UNICEF and partners provide lifesaving aid during and after conflict erupts and work to strengthen systems to protect children and support their survival, health and development. This includes interventions to ensure access to food, shelter, social support and health care. UNICEF rehabilitates and upgrades destroyed water and sanitation systems,…, Political Declaration on the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, The Political Declaration on the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas , adopted in Dublin in November 2022, is a crucial opportunity to better protect children, their families and communities from armed conflict. The declaration sends a strong signal worldwide that harming civilians and damaging cities is not a reality we should accept by…, What UNICEF is calling for, All parties to conflict and those with influence over them, to protect and ensure respect for children’s rights including by ending the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. All member states to sign the EWIPA Declaration and to the member states that are already signatories, to identify and adopt military measures, policies, and practices…

GenderTech Toolkit Digital technology has become critical to our lives. Online experiences and opportunities are also important for children’s and young people’s development across a wide range of areas, including: online education, access to formal and informal learning; access to information and support relating to health and well-being; being…, Download the tools, Two young girls using a mobile device Two young girls using mobile devices A girl on her mobile device A girl on her mobile device Image How to improve digital inclusion and accessibility for girls with disabilities

Worldwide, one in every 10 children has a disability – and the proportion is even higher in populations affected by armed conflict or disasters. Children and adults with disabilities are among the most marginalized people in any community affected by crisis. Exacerbating this situation, they often are excluded from humanitarian assistance. But…

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UNICEF works day in and day out, in some of the world’s toughest places, to protect children’s rights and safeguard their futures. On the ground in over 190 countries and territories, we reach more children and young people than any other international organization. Explore our nutrition programmes and initiatives., Global partnerships and initiatives, UNICEF collaborates with nutrition partners at global, regional and country levels to scale up nutrition policies, strategies and programmes that accelerate progress towards achieving the  Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals , including Goal 2: to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition. As part of its convening role,…, Learn more

Available in:  English    Lettre DG Français      Español      العربية     中文     русский From conflicts to climate change, this year provided more proof that children increasingly live in a world hostile to their rights. Yet UNICEF continued to deliver for children and young people, with a staff of over 17,000 working across more than 190…, A new year and new hope for children, by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell With the new year fast approaching, I find myself thinking a lot about the concept of hope – both the power of having it and the despair that can consume us when it is gone. Hope can drive us forward in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It can be all that stops us from giving in to…, Reflections from youth advocates on 2023, A portrait of UNICEF Youth Advocate Yasmina Yasmina, 20, Tajikistan, The year 2023 brought numerous conflicts and crises that resulted in the disruption of education for many children, particularly girls, and it is crucial for world leaders to recognize the impact of these events on the future of these children. As we move into 2024, it is essential for leaders to work towards preventing conflicts and providing…, A portrait of UNICEF Youth Advocate Mariam Khalid Mariam, 19, Yemen, What I ask of those in authority and leaders is to make peace. Enough wars and enough tampering with children’s lives. Leaders should seriously work to make the world safer, which children do not have to leave in fear and see their dreams burning in wars...Leaders must be open and willing to learn and adapt to emerging challenges in a rapidly…, A portrait of UNICEF Youth Advocate Emmanuel Cosmas Msoka Emmanuel, 20, Tanzania, We’ve seen a number of young people engaged this year. But we can still do more in 2024. We need to engage more young people – including children – in our areas of work. International institutions and local governments need to engage more young people and develop platforms for young people to come and share their perspectives...Peace is something…, A portrait of UNICEF Youth Advocate Makhtom Abdalla Makhtom, 20, Sudan, [In 2023] I am very happy that I could convey the voices of children and young people of Sudan during such difficult times at global events like the UN General Assembly...No matter how hard it gets we should not lose faith in ourselves and a peaceful future...World leaders should not forget that we are all humans and therefore we all have equal…

Jump to: 1. What is UNICEF’s humanitarian role during armed conflict? 2. What are the universal humanitarian principles that guide UNICEF’s operations and advocacy? 3. Why does UNICEF refer to “parties to conflict” without calling them by name? 4. Does UNICEF’s commitment to neutrality and other humanitarian principles prevent it from speaking up…, 1. What is UNICEF’s humanitarian role during armed conflict? , UNICEF’s humanitarian mandate is to help alleviate the suffering of children, no matter who they are or where they live.   In certain situations, when resources are readily available to meet children’s needs during an emergency, we do this by offering guidance and support to decision-makers on the ground. In others, we mobilize UNICEF staff and…, 2. What are the universal humanitarian principles that guide UNICEF’s operations and advocacy?, As an operational humanitarian organization, UNICEF holds itself accountable to the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. We aim to uphold these universal principles in every context, by action and by word.  Humanity: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to save…, 3. Why does UNICEF refer to “parties to conflict” without calling them by name? , UNICEF’s mandate in any conflict is to help protect children’s rights and alleviate their suffering. This means calling on those involved in fighting to abide by their obligations under international law, in the manner experience has shown to serve the best interests of children caught in hostilities. It also means working to reach those children…, 4. Does UNICEF’s commitment to neutrality and other humanitarian principles prevent it from speaking up against violations of children’s rights? , No. UNICEF will continue to speak out against violations of children’s rights, including grave violations committed against children on every side of violence. Our mandate is to conduct humanitarian advocacy for sustained, unimpeded access to all children in need, and to do so in line with humanitarian principles . How and where we speak out is…, 5. Has UNICEF spoken out on the violations committed against children in Israel and the State of Palestine? , Yes. In public and behind closed doors, UNICEF has spoken out on the violations committed against children in Israel and the State of Palestine unequivocally, consistently and since the earliest days.    Even wars have rules. The killing and maiming of children is a grave violation condemned by the United Nations Security Council. Attacks on…, 6. How does UNICEF decide which images of children to publish online?, Reporting on children living through war, conflict and other forms of violence risks exposing them to further harm. When making decisions on if and how to share a child’s story or imagery, UNICEF prioritizes the safety, dignity and best interests of that child above all other considerations, including advocacy. Children in imminent danger,…, 7. How does UNICEF operate in Israel?, In high-income countries such as Israel, Governments generally have adequate capacity to respond to emergencies. Upon request from the Government, UNICEF can extend support, such as mental health and psychosocial support for children.  In over 30 countries where UNICEF does not perform programmatic activities, National Committees for UNICEF serve…, 8. How does UNICEF operate in the State of Palestine?, UNICEF has been supporting Palestinian children in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since the early 1980’s. Following the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, UNICEF appointed its first Special Representative to serve Palestinian children.  With staff in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, we work to fulfil children’s rights and provide…, 9. What is UNICEF’s response to reports that aid is not reaching all those it intends to?, UNICEF aid is not reaching all the children who urgently need it. Getting humanitarian supplies into and through Gaza is an intensive effort, subjected to extensive constraints.  Trucks carrying relief must undergo multiple layers of inspection before entering the Strip, with cargo increasingly rejected on unpredictable grounds. Items needed to…, 10. What measures does UNICEF have in place to prevent aid diversion?, UNICEF’s primary focus is to ensure life-saving supplies reach children in need.   With decades of experience delivering aid in high-risk environments, we know that some proportion of relief items will inevitably be lost or damaged along the way. That’s why in Gaza, as in all emergency settings, we adopt a “no regrets” approach, adjusting…, 11. What is UNICEF’s humanitarian role within the wider United Nations system?, The United Nations was founded in the aftermath of World War II to bolster international peace and security and promote fundamental human rights. By mandate from the United Nations General Assembly, UNICEF works to protect the rights of children, in times of peace or crisis.   Our duty to protect underlies all others during armed conflict: UNICEF…, 12. How do UNICEF and UNWRA work together in Gaza?, Everywhere we operate, UNICEF partners with civil society organizations and other aid agencies to help deliver more relief to more children. In Gaza, we work with UNWRA – the UN agency responsible for providing vital assistance to Palestine refugees in the State of Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria – to expand our reach.  UNICEF has long…, 13. What is UNICEF calling for?, UNICEF appeals for world leaders to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect children suffering through this unprecedented catastrophe. Children need a humanitarian ceasefire now. See all our calls for action here .     Learn more about UNICEF’s core commitments for children caught in conflict and…, Resources for media, Current issues Read about UNICEF’s position on current issues affecting children. Press centre Browse our extensive resources for journalists and media, showcasing UNICEF's efforts around the world. Media contacts See UNICEF's range media contacts, available as communications resources for press colleagues. Experts Talk to our leading experts,…

Excellencies, Children are growing up in a world of increasing dangers due to environmental degradation and climate change. Safeguarding children and future generations from escalating climate threats requires immediate and decisive action. I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of 68 members of the Group of Friends of Children and the…

UNICEF’s Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2030 guides communities, governments and global leaders to work together to prioritize children’s needs. By 2030, UNICEF with partners, aspires to reach 500 million children in 100 countries with integrated climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction solutions, including 30…, Our commitments, UNICEF endorses the COP28 Relief, Recovery and Peace Declaration and has pledged the following commitments, Climate and disaster financing for children, To address the ever-widening finance gap for climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, UNICEF launched the Today & Tomorrow Initiative, the world’s first integrated climate and disaster risk finance solution for children. Today & Tomorrow combines climate resilience and risk prevention programmes “today” with an innovative use of…, Early warning systems and child-responsive preparedness, Child-responsive early warning systems are essential for protecting the most vulnerable members of society when disasters strike. Yet, half of countries globally are not protected by early warning systems, with the lowest coverage in Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.   The Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All…, Child-focused climate and disaster risk analysis, Risk information is required to develop strategies and programmes that help build climate-resilient services for children, including preparedness, response and national and subnational recovery efforts. In many countries, there is a lack of disaggregated, timely, geo-referenced, subnational data at high resolution vital for targeted action (…, Conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding programming, Many of the most climate vulnerable countries are also affected by conflict, which undermines state capacity to prevent, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It is essential that we ensure support to countries to address conflict and climate risks. UNICEF’s Strategic Plan (2022-2025) elevates peacebuilding as a priority and aims to…, About the Declaration, The Climate Relief, Recovery, and Peace Declaration is a voluntary commitment to increase climate adaptation efforts and access to finance for communities and countries threatened or affected by fragility or conflict, or facing high humanitarian needs and insecurity; to strengthen knowledge and programmatic solutions for climate action in such…

Jump to: Does UNICEF operate in the conflict zones the United Nations reports on? How does UNICEF differentiate between “reported” and “verified” child casualties and other grave violations? What about in the recent conflict in Gaza? How does UNICEF verify casualty figures? Why do UNICEF statements use neutral language to describe incidents and…, Does UNICEF operate in the conflict zones the United Nations reports on?, Yes, UNICEF operates in humanitarian settings worldwide, including in areas of armed conflict. When violence erupts, UNICEF staff on the ground, together with partners, mobilize to provide life-saving supplies – including clean water, nutrition supplements, vaccines, hygiene kits and more – to children and families caught in crisis. At the onset…, How does UNICEF differentiate between “reported” and “verified” child casualties and other grave violations?, While armed conflict is ongoing and in its immediate aftermath, relevant reporting from sources – including human rights and non-governmental organizations, health authorities, the media and survivors – alert the United Nations (UN) to possible deadly incidents, including those affecting children. Independent UN verification of child casualties in…, What about in the recent conflict in Gaza? How does UNICEF verify casualty figures?, In the case of Israel and the State of Palestine, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the UN tracks all relevant and available reports of incidents affecting children from various sources. These include UN personnel and other sources on the ground, human rights organizations, non-governmental organizations, health authorities and media. In…, Why do UNICEF statements use neutral language to describe incidents and parties to conflict?, UNICEF’s mandate in any emergency is to alleviate the suffering of children. This means reaching every child caught in conflict, no matter the child's family circumstances, background, beliefs or which party to conflict controls the area where the child lives. Neutral, impartial and independent, our humanitarian approach allows us to remain…, Resources for media, Current issues Read about UNICEF’s position on current issues affecting children. Press centre Browse our extensive resources for journalists and media, showcasing UNICEF's efforts around the world. Media contacts See UNICEF's range media contacts, available as communications resources for press colleagues. Experts Talk to our leading experts,…

Digital technology has become critical to our lives. Online experiences and opportunities are also important for children’s and young people’s development across a wide range of areas, including: online education, access to formal and informal learning; access to information and support relating to health and well-being; engagement with creative…, Download the evidence briefs, A young girl using a mobile device What we know about the gender digital divide for girls A young girl using a mobile device How big data can help us understand the gender digital divide for girls . Cover - A literature review and recommendations Accessible and inclusive digital solutions for girls with disabilities Cover of peer-to-peer…