Press Releases

An estimated 40,000 children impacted in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Vanuatu

Publication date: December 17, 2024

An estimated 40,000 children are in need of humanitarian assistance after a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on December 17, followed by several major aftershocks.

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on children and the continued bloodshed in the Gaza Strip

Publication date: December 13, 2024

Children didn’t start this conflict and they have no power to stop it, yet they are paying the highest price with their lives and futures. In the last 14 months, more than 14,500 children have reportedly been killed, and virtually all 1.1 million children in Gaza are in urgent need of protection and mental health support.

Birth registration steadily increases worldwide, but 150 million children still ‘invisible’ - UNICEF

Publication date: December 11, 2024

New report shows progress, while highlighting gaps—particularly in sub-Saharan Africa— leaving millions of children without legal identity

A mother holds her child lovingly while also showing the child's birth registration certificate.

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the impact of the situation in Syria on children

Publication date: December 8, 2024

UNICEF remains steadfast in its commitment to remain on the ground, working alongside our partners to deliver life-saving assistance to children and their families.

UNICEF appeals for US$9.9 billion in humanitarian funding to support children affected by conflict and crisis in increasingly volatile world

Publication date: December 5, 2024

Funding will support emergency programs targeting 109 million children globally.

A child named Zarmina receives RUTF at UNICEF-supported mobile health and nutrition in Afghanistan.

Statement by UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder on the recent escalation of violence in Northwest Syria

Publication date: December 2, 2024

The ongoing violence is a stark reminder of the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians, especially children.

Children among the newly arrived families at a reception centre in Ar-Raqqa city, Syria, on 4 December 2024, who fled the escalating violence in Aleppo

FAST FACTS: Critical gains in HIV response, but adolescents - especially girls - remain disproportionately affected, UNICEF warns on World AIDS Day

Publication date: December 1, 2024

While there has been a notable decline in new HIV infections among children and adolescents globally over the past decade, adolescent girls still struggle to access tailored prevention services and support, according to the latest available estimates.

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon

Publication date: November 26, 2024

UNICEF welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, which we hope will bring an end to the war which has killed more than 240 children, injured around 1,400, and upended the lives of countless others. This is an essential first step toward allowing communities to heal and rebuild after months of turmoil and loss.

Number of children in Haiti recruited by armed groups soars by 70 per cent in one year – UNICEF

Publication date: November 25, 2024

Cycle of suffering continues as armed violence spirals parts of the country into chaos.

Urgent need to protect children amid escalating conflict in Myanmar

Publication date: November 21, 2024

Statement attributable to UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban