Geographic Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

In 2019, UNICEF reached almost all corners of the globe – 190 countries to be exact – to help save children’s lives. To celebrate the end of the year – and the end of a decade – we’ve chosen 5 stories from at home and abroad, to showcase how the tireless work of UNICEF staff and the generous support of our donors enables us to defend the right to childhood, for every child.

The holidays are fast approaching, which means last-minute gift shoppers are urgently searching for that special something to give to friends, family or that special someone. In the spirit of the season, UNICEF Canada offers this holiday rescue guide; our top 6 meaningful gifts that will help children in need this season.

In October 2019, six members of UNICEF Canada’s Women Unlimited travelled to Ghana for their first field visit, as part of a four year philanthropic journey. One of the members, Lisa Letwin, provided us this reflection on her experiences and how philanthropy really means the power of possibility.

Twenty-four thousand children were killed or maimed in conflicts in 2018. This is the highest number ever reported by the UN since it began monitoring the six grave violations affecting children nearly 15 years ago. David Morley comments on the situation and how Canada must make children’s rights, safety and wellbeing a global priority.

Our president and CEO David Morley was in New York City recently for the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). While on the plane back to Toronto, he crafted this letter, about the impact being at the UNGA had on him and the work that we do as UNICEF Canada.

Since 2013, UNICEF and partners have reunified over 6,000 separated and missing children with their families. This is the story of one mother who was reunited with her children after 5 years of separation.

Children living in storm-affected areas face worsening food insecurity and nutrition crisis. The impact of two cyclones hitting Mozambique in one season was devastating and unprecedented; however, it is only now that the residual effects of the disaster are really beginning to be felt.

For the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), UNICEF’s Executive Director Henrietta Fore has drafted an open letter to the world’s children – about why she’s worried, and hopeful, for the next generation.

On World Humanitarian Day, UNICEF celebrates women humanitarians and their undying contributions in making the world a better place. Each year, our humanitarian programmes provide millions of children with a range of lifesaving services, but these services could not be provided without the support of women humanitarians. Let’s honor those women who have tirelessly improved countless lives, showcasing incredible strength along the way.

Amidst the second deadliest outbreak of Ebola globally, and the deadliest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the number of children who have been left orphaned or unaccompanied by the disease is rising at an alarming rate.