01 March 2022

Protecting children in humanitarian action

Children pay the highest price of humanitarian crisis. Armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies expose millions of girls and boys to unthinkable forms of violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. Many children are forced to flee their homes, some torn from their parents and caregivers along the way. In conflict, children may be…, Topics, Explosive weapons and remnants of war, Explosive weapons kill and injure thousands of civilians each year, during and after armed conflict. Children account for roughly half of the casualties from explosive ordnance. Child survivors endure staggering physical injury and psychological trauma. But explosive weapons also inflict severe harm on children indirectly: Especially in populated…, Children recruited by armed forces, Thousands of children are recruited and used in armed conflicts across the world. Often referred to as “child soldiers,” these boys and girls suffer extensive forms of exploitation and abuse that are not fully captured by that term. Warring parties use children not only as fighters, but as scouts, cooks, porters, guards, messengers and more. Learn…, Gender-based violence, Gender-based violence is the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violation in the world. It includes physical, sexual, mental or economic harm inflicted on a person because of socially ascribed power imbalances between males and females. It also includes the threat of violence, coercion and deprivation of liberty, whether in public or…, Family separation during crisis, Violent conflicts, natural disasters and other crises force thousands of children from their parents and caregivers each year. Some are separated from their families during the chaos of a humanitarian emergency. Others may be pulled away by parties involved in a violent conflict. Children may be separated from their families for hours, days,…, Mental health and psychosocial support, Children exposed to conflict, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises can suffer severe psychological and social consequences. Mental health and psychosocial support for children affected by emergencies is essential. Learn more, Sexual exploitation and abuse, In areas affected by conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies, people trust aid workers to assist and protect them. The vast majority do so with professionalism and integrity. But some aid workers abuse their position of power through the sexual exploitation and abuse of those who depend on them, including children. These acts are…, What we do, UNICEF is a global leader for child protection in emergencies. We partner with governments, international organizations, and communities themselves to keep children from harm’s way and support those who have experienced violence or abuse. We also develop evidence-based technical standards, guidance and advocacy strategies to arm child protection…, For every child, protection, UNICEF responds to humanitarian emergencies in every corner of the globe., Learn more, Resources, UNICEF Humanitarian Practice UNICEF in Emergencies UNICEF Humanitarian Practice: COVID-19 Technical Guidance Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, 2019  Gender-Based Violence Minimum Standards Toolkit on Unaccompanied and Separated Children Inter-agency Guidelines for Case Management and Child Protection Guidance Note:…
23 February 2021

UNICEF in emergencies

In conflict and disaster, children suffer first and suffer most. During emergencies and humanitarian contexts, children are especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence. Children living in conflict areas are worst off – they are more likely to be living in extreme poverty, for instance, or not enrolled in primary school. The chaos…, World map image. Where UNICEF is responding, East Asia and Pacific Region Appeal East Asia and Pacific Eastern and Southern Africa Eastern and Southern Africa Europe and Central Asia Europe and Central Asia Latin America and the Caribbean region previous appeals Latin America and the Caribbean Middle East and North Africa Region Appeal Middle East and North Africa South Asia South Asia West…, UN0248443_0.jpg How UNICEF is responding, Promoting predictable, effective and timely action Supporting access to education Ensuring access to health services Delivering life-saving supplies Addressing the root causes of fragility Ensuring access to water, sanitation and hygiene  (WASH) Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse Supporting a Adolescents in humanitarian…, Emergencies news and features, Humanitarian crises in focus, Haiti. Three girls line up waiting for routine immunizations. 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. Read more about the situation, Gaza. A girl stands in front of her shelter in the city of Rafah. The Gaza Strip, The escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is having a catastrophic impact on children and families.  Read more about the situation and UNICEF’s response, Sudan. A group of children look at the camera. Sudan, Even before the conflict, humanitarian needs across Sudan had reached record levels. Now, an already dire situation has reached catastrophic levels, with access to food, safe water, electricity, and telecommunications unreliable, inaccessible and unaffordable.  Learn about UNICEF’s response, Afghanistan. A small girl looks up from the side of a bed in a clinic. Afghanistan, Increased insecurity in Afghanistan has left children paying a heavy price. UNICEF is continuing to work with partners to support children and their families across the country. Read more about UNICEF’s response, Central African Republic. A student is photographed at a primary school. Central African Republic, The Central African Republic is one of the toughest places in the world to be a child. Yet despite the urgent needs of families, international attention has been scant and the humanitarian response chronically underfunded. Read more about how UNICEF and partners are responding, Bangladesh. Two refugee children stand outside a UNICEF learning centre. Rohingya, Rohingya families fled violence. But uncertainty about the future grips those living in the world’s largest refugee settlement. UNICEF is on the ground, working with the government and partners, helping to deliver life-saving supplies and services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Read more about the crisis and how UNICEF is helping, Syria. A child stands in a doorway at a school-turned-shelter in Aleppo, northern Syria. Syria, After more than a decade of conflict, the Syrian crisis continues to have a huge impact on children inside Syria, across the region and beyond. Every Syrian child has been impacted by the violence, displacement, severed family ties and lack of access to vital services caused by massive physical devastation. Read more about the conflict and UNICEF’…, Ukraine. A young girl stands holding a toy in the boiler room of her school. Ukraine, The war in Ukraine is having a devastating effect on children. UNICEF is on the ground, working with partners to provide life-saving support for children and their families. Read more about the situation and how UNICEF is responding, Ethiopia. A girl cups her hands to collect water. Horn of Africa, Exceptional drought across large swathes of Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea and Djibouti unleashed hunger, thirst, displacement and death on already vulnerable communities as crops fail and livestock die. Read more about the situation and UNICEF’s response., Yemen. A boy stands in the doorway of his family’s shelter. Yemen, Yemen is one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. A dangerous combination of factors, driven by conflict and economic decline have compounded the dire situation for Yemen’s youngest children. Read more about the crisis and UNICEF’s work in the country