21 May 2024

Crisis in Haiti

Political turmoil, civil unrest, violence, crippling poverty and natural disasters: This deadly combination is jeopardizing the well-being and future of Haiti’s children. More than 3 million children – the highest number on record in Haiti – require humanitarian support.   Despite the insecure and volatile environment, UNICEF is working with…, Donate to support UNICEF’s work for Haiti’s children, Recent news and features, What’s happening in Haiti?, Even before the current crisis, Haiti was the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country, having experienced decades of inadequate basic services and a lack of human capital development, combined with extremely high inequality, marginalization and social exclusion.   These challenges have been compounded by the proliferation of armed groups who are…, Haiti crisis snapshot, How is the crisis affecting children in Haiti?, A woman looks up to the side while cradling her baby in her arms. Children and families are enduring relentless waves of brutal violence perpetrated by armed groups. Each day brings new horrors, the loss of loved ones, homes destroyed, and an ever-present shadow of fear. Children are being killed or injured on their way to school, while women and…, How is UNICEF helping children in Haiti?, A boy smiling brightly sticks his hand into a black school bag with the UNICEF logo that he is holding in his lap. Despite the highly volatile environment, UNICEF is stepping up efforts to protect families and provide life-saving support, including for those who are trapped and cut off from essential services. Together with the Government and…, Donate to support UNICEF’s work for Haiti’s children
20 March 2024

A day in Gaza: Marwa’s diary

The war in the Gaza Strip is weighing heavily on young people – on their day-to-day lives and also their hopes for the future. Marwa, a fourth-year medical student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, wants to become a surgeon – a dream that like so many others is now on hold.  She spoke with UNICEF a few months ago, and although her family has been…, Part 1: Sometimes I feel it’s driving me mad, Marwa describes a typical day with her family, how the war has made her feel, and why it’s sometimes impossible to get any sleep. It’s not death that we fear. It’s surviving death. Click play for audio experience Listen to Part 1 by Marwa Transcript Transcript “Every day, we wake up at 5 a.m. My brothers bring us water from the nearby houses in…, Part 2: Praying that it doesn’t rain, In the second exchange with UNICEF, Marwa shares the challenges her family have experienced during their most recent evacuation since the fighting escalated in October 2023. It rained so much that night. I can’t imagine how it would have been like if we slept in the street. Click play for audio experience Listen to Part 2 by Marwa Transcript…, Part 3: A hurricane of feelings, In the third conversation, Marwa describes the emotions she has been experiencing since the war erupted. Marwa with her family UNICEF Click play for audio experience Listen to Part 3 by Marwa Transcript Transcript UNICEF I entered medical school because I wanted to save people’s lives. Now, I’m helpless to save even the lives of the people I love…