Armed conflict

NEW YORK/OSLO, 22 April 2024 – Between 2018 and 2022, explosive weapons were responsible for nearly half - 49.8 per cent - of the more than 47,500 instances of children killed and maimed that were verified by the United Nations, in more than 24 conflict zones globally. The vast majority of these instances occurred in populated areas. The use of…

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…

NEW YORK, 3 April 2024 - "Madam President, Excellencies, Colleagues, "Thank you to Malta and her Excellency Vanessa Frazier for arranging this critical briefing on children and armed conflict. "Around the world, as conflicts proliferate, grave violations against children continue. The denial of humanitarian access is a particularly pervasive,…

From widespread killing, maiming, abduction and sexual violence to recruitment into armed forces and groups and strikes on schools and hospitals, as well as essential water facilities – children living in conflict zones around the world continue to come under attack on a shocking scale.  To better monitor, prevent, and end these attacks, the…, 1. Killing and maiming of children, Killing and maiming of children can be a result of direct targeting or indirect actions, including torture. Killing and maiming can occur through crossfire, landmines, cluster munitions, improvised or other indiscriminate explosive devices or even in the context of military operations, house demolitions, search-and-arrest campaigns, or suicide…, 2. Recruitment or use of children in armed forces and armed groups, Recruitment or use of children in armed forces and armed groups refers to compulsory, forced, or voluntary conscription or enlistment of children into any kind of armed force or armed group. The use of boys and girls by armed forces or armed groups can be in any capacity, including as fighters, cooks, porters, messengers and spies, or when they…, 3. Attacks on schools or hospitals, Attacks on schools or hospitals include the targeting of schools or medical facilities that cause the total or partial destruction of such facilities. Schools and hospitals should be protected spaces, where children are safe even in times of conflict, yet continued attacks on such facilities have underscored the catastrophic impact of armed…, 4. Rape or other grave sexual violence, Conflict-related sexual violence remains one of the most disturbing violation of children’s rights and has often been used as a tactic of war. Rape or other grave sexual violence includes acts of rape, other sexual violence, sexual slavery and/or trafficking, enforced prostitution, forced marriage or pregnancy, enforced sterilization, or sexual…, 5. Abduction of children, Abduction of children refers to the unlawful removal, seizure, capture, apprehension, or enforced disappearance of a child either temporarily or permanently. Whether it’s an intentional act of violence or retaliation, to instill fear among populations, or to forcibly recruit and/or sexually abuse children, abduction is one of the most pervasive…, 6. Denial of humanitarian access for children, Denial of humanitarian access for children includes the intentional deprivation or impediment of humanitarian assistance essential for children’s survival by parties to the conflict, including willfully impeding the ability of humanitarian or other relevant actors to access and assist affected children in situations of armed conflict.  Warring…, What UNICEF is doing , Lebanon. A Syrian refugee holds a box of supplies. A Syrian refugee holds a box of supplies in Lebanon. UNICEF and partners are continuing to provide care and protection for children living through war, advocating on their behalf, and engaging with all parties to conflict to ensure their rights are upheld. In addition to providing emergency and…

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,…

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,…

This Call for Action was shared by the Governments of the Malta and the United States, along with UNICEF, Children in Conflict and War Child, at a side-event of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York on September 21, 2023.  It calls on UN Member States, the United Nations and civil society to take immediate action to end the detention of…

NEW YORK, 5 July 2023 - "Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues. "Today is a difficult day in the history of the children and armed conflict agenda. This year’s report from the Secretary-General includes both the highest number of grave violations ever verified by the United Nations at over 27,000 and the highest ever number of situations…

OSLO, 6 June 2023 - "Excellencies, honored guests, colleagues … thank you for joining us at this international conference on protecting children in armed conflict.  "Let me start by thanking our gracious cohosts – the Government of Norway for your steadfast leadership on child protection in conflict situations, the ICRC for your collaboration and…

NEW YORK/OSLO, 5 June 2023 – A staggering 315,000 grave violations against children in conflict were verified by the United Nations between 2005 and 2022, a stark illustration of the devastating impact of war and conflict on children. As states, donors and the humanitarian community meet in Norway for the Oslo Conference on Protecting Children in…

"Excellencies, colleagues … it is good to be with you today for this critically important discussion. UNICEF looks forward to expanding our work with the Global Network against Food Crises, especially given the disproportionate impact food and nutrition insecurity have on children and women. "The findings presented in this year’s Global Report…

Maria, age 12, submitted a poem after leaving Odessa, Ukraine.   NEW YORK, 21 March 2023 – In commemoration of World Poetry Day, hundreds of children and young people around the world have published poems to highlight their experiences of conflict and war, and to call for peace, as part of UNICEF’s Poems for Peace initiative . Now in its fourth…