Press Releases

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore on the COVID-19 pandemic

Publication date: March 18, 2020

UNICEF is working to help prevent the spread of the virus among communities in the affected countries. We are sharing accurate information on how to keep families safe, providing hygiene and medical kits to schools and health clinics, and mitigating the impact of the outbreak on children’s access to health, education and social services.

A Syrian volunteer disinfects a classroom in rural Idlib.

Almost 5 million children born into war in Syria, 1 million born as refugees in neighbouring countries – UNICEF

Publication date: March 16, 2020

Over 9,000 children killed or injured in the conflict, according to verified data

A child stands outside the ruins of a building in rural Syria.

One year after Cyclone Idai, 2.5 million people in Mozambique remain in need of humanitarian assistance

Publication date: March 13, 2020

UNICEF prepares for more frequent and ferocious disasters as a result of the climate crisis

UNICEF Canada advises government on how to protect children during COVID-19 response

Publication date: March 13, 2020

Today, UNICEF Canada sent letters to the Premiers of Canada and the federal Minister of Finance Bill Morneau urging them to consider the possible impacts on children and youth and take appropriate steps to protect the right of every child during and after the pandemic of COVID-19.

UNICEF statement on COVID-19 outbreak

Publication date: March 11, 2020

UNICEF has been preparing and responding to the epidemic of COVID-19 around the world, knowing that the virus could spread to children and families in any country or community

Scientists are at work in the VirPath university laboratory, classified as "P3" level of safety.

COVID-19: UNICEF, Red Cross, and WHO issue guidance to protect children and support safe school operations

Publication date: March 10, 2020

Guidance includes practical actions and checklists for administrators, teachers, parents and children

Lifeline for Syria’s children must continue, UNICEF chief says at end of Gaziantep trip

Publication date: March 9, 2020

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore has just concluded a two-day trip to Gaziantep, Turkey, where she visited the humanitarian logistics hub in Bab Al Hawa on the border with Syria. She also toured a Syrian refugee camp in Kahramanmaras.

ED Fore sits with children in a classroom in Turkey.

Statement by Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships, on coronavirus misinformation

Publication date: March 9, 2020

Misinformation during times of a health crisis can spread paranoia, fear, and stigmatization. It can also result in people being left unprotected or more vulnerable to the virus.

A little girl looks out a hospital window where she is being cared for while her family undergoes treatment for COVID19.

UNICEF, WFP chiefs wrap up two-day visit to Syria, see impact of conflict on children and families

Publication date: March 5, 2020

UN officials call for cessation of hostilities and protection of children as conflict is about to enter its 10th year.

A girl carries a baby in northwest Syria.

25 years of uneven progress: Despite gains in education, world still a violent, highly discriminatory place for girls

Publication date: March 4, 2020

Two and a half decades after the historic Beijing women’s conference, violence against women and girls still not only common, but accepted