Middle East and North Africa | UNICEF Canada: For Every Child

Middle East and North Africa is one of the geographical regions where UNICEF is currently running programs for children in need. On this page, you will find more information on UNICEF’s work.

World Polio Day: Life as a Polio Survivor

Safia Ibrahim is a 37 year old Somali-born Canadian. When she was 1 years old, she contracted polio that rendered her unable to walk. For World Polio Day, Safia spoke with UNICEF Canada about the choice she never got to make but one that has impacted her entire life.

2018 witnessed the highest reported deaths of children in armed conflict around the world

Twenty-four thousand children were killed or maimed in conflicts in 2018. This is the highest number ever reported by the UN since it began monitoring the six grave violations affecting children nearly 15 years ago. David Morley comments on the situation and how Canada must make children’s rights, safety and wellbeing a global priority.

Five brave girls say NO to marriage

Ayate, Ashe, Biftu, Anifa, and Asiya all said ‘no!’ to marriage. Each girl knew her rights and was brave enough to exercise them. And all of them plan to inspire others to do the same in the hope of stopping the harmful practice of men marrying young girls in their community.

Girls pose together outside their school in Ethiopia.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child at 30: A Reflection

Our president and CEO David Morley was in New York City recently for the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). While on the plane back to Toronto, he crafted this letter, about the impact being at the UNGA had on him and the work that we do as UNICEF Canada.

A UNICEF installation highlighting the grave scale of child deaths in conflict during 2018 on the North Lawn at the United Nations Headquarters.

An Open Letter to the World’s Children

For the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), UNICEF’s Executive Director Henrietta Fore has drafted an open letter to the world’s children – about why she’s worried, and hopeful, for the next generation.

Children show off writing samples on slates.

Celebrating Women Humanitarians

On World Humanitarian Day, UNICEF celebrates women humanitarians and their undying contributions in making the world a better place. Each year, our humanitarian programmes provide millions of children with a range of lifesaving services, but these services could not be provided without the support of women humanitarians. Let’s honor those women who have tirelessly improved countless lives, showcasing incredible strength along the way.

Two girls hold hands outside a UNICEF supported centre.

For Every Child, Health

UNICEF Canada is celebrating the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting advancements in healthcare for women, newborns and children around the world, over the next 10 years.

Father’s Day Gift Roundup

No two dads are the same. Which is why UNICEF Canada’s 2019 Father’s Day Gift Guide has something for every dad (or special man in your life!) So if you’re still in need of a great gift idea, check out our roundup of thoughtful gifts that give back.

From one mother to another – vaccination is life-saving!

“My house is always full of female villagers coming for consultations and sometimes just moral support!” says Amina, who lives in Syria and works as a health educator.

A girl receives an oral polio vaccine dose by a UNICEF worker during an immunization campaign in Aleppo, Syria.

Helping children survive in Yemen

With ongoing and unending conflict in Yemen, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate across the country. UNICEF is working around-the clock to save children suffering from disease – often caused by a lack of access to clean water.

Geographic Region: Middle East and North Africa

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