Press Releases

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

Publication date: January 15, 2025

UNICEF welcomes the announcement today of a ceasefire deal between the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This is long overdue for the children and families of Gaza who have endured more than a year of bombardment and deprivation, and for the hostages in Gaza and their families in Israel who have suffered so much.

New year brings little new hope for children in Gaza, with at least 74 children reportedly killed in first week of 2025 – UNICEF

Publication date: January 8, 2025

UNICEF has long warned that inadequate shelter, lack of access to nutrition and healthcare, the dire sanitary situation, and now the winter weather put the lives of all children in Gaza at risk. Newborns and children with medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

Not the new normal’ – 2024 ‘one of the worst years in UNICEF’s history’ for children in conflict

Publication date: December 28, 2024

The impact of armed conflicts on children around the world reached devastating and likely record levels in 2024, according to a review by UNICEF of the latest available data and prevailing global trends.

Food and nutrition crisis deepens across Sudan as famine identified in additional areas

Publication date: December 24, 2024

WFP and UNICEF urge immediate humanitarian access and action to avert what could become the worst hunger crisis in recent history

A child sits in their mother's lap as they hold a packet of RUTF in Sudan

"Cold, sick and traumatized" - the ongoing nightmare for children in Gaza

Publication date: December 20, 2024

Remarks by UNICEF Communication Specialist Rosalia Bollen at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

Peace must prevail for Syria’s children

Publication date: December 18, 2024

Statement by UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder

A child makes heart shape with their hands at a child protection centre in Syria

At least 90,000 children impacted as Cyclone Chido hits hard in Mozambique

Publication date: December 17, 2024

Thousands of homes were immediately destroyed in Cabo Delgado, a province grappling with protracted conflict; UNICEF concerned about the spread of waterborne diseases and large-scale displacement.

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