Press Releases

1.5 million children affected by violence in Kasai region of Democratic Republic of Congo

Publication date: April 21, 2017

The crisis in the Greater Kasaï region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is having a devastating impact on children, UNICEF warned today. More than 1.5 million children, including 600,000 who have already been displaced from their homes, are at risk due to the extreme violence.

Statement by Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director, on reported child killings in Syria

Publication date: April 16, 2017

After six years of war and human carnage in Syria ... six years of heartbreak for so many Syrian families... there comes a new horror that must break the heart of anyone who has one. More than 60 children reportedly killed in an attack on a bus convoy yesterday outside Aleppo. A convoy of families who for so long had already known so much suffering. Now the survivors must bear such a new and terrible loss.

Star Wars: Force for Change celebrates 40 years of Star Wars with epic fundraising event

Publication date: April 11, 2017

Star Wars: Force For Change in collaboration with Omaze will launch the Star Wars “Past, Present and Future” fundraising campaign to benefit UNICEF and Starlight Children’s Foundation. The campaign is themed around the timeless appeal of Star Wars, with experiences inspired by the saga’s past, present, and future. Lucky winners will receive prizes, like the chance to appear in the upcoming Han Solo movie, tickets to the world premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, or, an overnight stay at the fabled Skywalker Ranch.

Nationwide immunization campaign protects five million children against polio in war-torn Yemen

Publication date: April 8, 2017

Support from the World Bank, WHO and UNICEF critical to reach every vulnerable child

At least 27 children killed in Idlib attack - UNICEF

Publication date: April 6, 2017

At least 27 children were confirmed killed in the attack in Idlib, north-west of Syria, UNICEF said today. A further 546 people, among them many children, have been injured. Casualty figures are expected to rise.

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake on reports of chemical weapons attacks on children and families in Syria

Publication date: April 5, 2017

The images of children choking and dying in the streets of Idlib, Syria, following alleged chemical weapons attacks, are as horrific as they are heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

Children Matter! UNICEF urges world leaders to continue supporting Syria’s children amidst new reports of atrocities

Publication date: April 5, 2017

Statement attributable to Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director

Montblanc and UNICEF renew long-standing partnership, helping to empower 5 million children through education

Publication date: April 3, 2017

Montblanc and UNICEF today announced the continuation of their long-standing partnership to help some of the world’s most vulnerable children access education.

As famine looms, malnutrition and disease rise sharply among children in Somalia

Publication date: March 30, 2017

As the spectre of famine hangs once again over Somalia, early numbers show an increasing number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and cholera or acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) — a combination that killed many children in the famine of 2011.

UNICEF and partners assist more than 145,000 people in famine-hit areas of South Sudan

Publication date: March 28, 2017

One month since famine was declared in parts of South Sudan, UNICEF - together with the World Food Programme and other partners - has delivered life-saving assistance to 145,000 people, including 33,000 children under the age of five.