Press Releases

UNICEF launches urgent appeal for $22 million to provide emergency assistance to 282,000 children in eastern DR Congo amid spiralling violence

Publication date: January 29, 2025

Life-saving support covers protection, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and education services.

Congolese refugees fleeing ongoing clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo carry their belongings as they arrive at the Rugerero transit camp in Gisenyi on January 28, 2025.

At least 4 children reportedly killed and 3 injured in attack on Saudi Hospital, El Fasher, North Darfur - Sudan

Publication date: January 28, 2025

“Continued attacks on health facilities endanger children’s lives and restrict their access to lifesaving medical care, which can have immediate and long-term impacts on their health,” said Russell. “The violence must end now. Children in Sudan cannot wait any longer.”

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Publication date: January 27, 2025

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Scaling up supplies and services for children in the Gaza Strip: UNICEF

Publication date: January 27, 2025

More than 350 UNICEF aid trucks have entered the Gaza Strip in ongoing efforts to meet the needs of about 1 million children after 15 months of bombardment

A child looks on as she returns back to her home in Gaza

Nearly a quarter of a billion children’s schooling was disrupted by climate crises in 2024 – UNICEF

Publication date: January 24, 2025

Education in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mozambique, Pakistan and the Philippines most severely affected by heatwaves, cyclones, floods and storms

Almost one in eight children internally displaced in Haiti as armed violence continues – UNICEF

Publication date: January 17, 2025

The number of internally displaced children in Haiti has increased by nearly 50 per cent since September – now equaling approximately one in eight children in the entire country – as a result of ongoing violence caused by armed groups.

A child in Haiti looks towards the camera

UNICEF sends supplies to help children and pregnant women affected by Xizang earthquake

Publication date: January 16, 2025

UNICEF has sent urgently needed emergency relief supplies for children and families affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri County in Xizang Autonomous Region, also known as Tibet, on 7 January 2025. This follows a request from the local governments of Dingri County and neighbouring Sajia County, through the Rikaze Prefecture.

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.

Children bear the brunt of escalating conflict and famine in Sudan

Publication date: January 15, 2025

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

A group of children look out of the window of a school in Port Sudan.

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.