Millions of children are on the move. Some are driven from their homes by conflict, poverty or climate change; others leave in the hope of finding a better life. Far too many encounter danger, detention, deprivation and discrimination on their journeys, at destination or upon return. works around the world to help the rights of migrant and displaced children by providing life-saving humanitarian supplies in refugee camps. UNICEF also collects, analyses and disseminates data and gathers evidence about the situation and individual experiences of children on the move.
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Fifteen-year-old Illia has no visible scars on his body from the shells and shrapnel that have fallen on his hometown in eastern Ukraine. They have left scars of a different kind. 鈥淚 was standing in the kitchen when the shell hit us,鈥 recalls the teenager. 鈥淚n a split second there was an explosion. All I remember is that my ears were buzzing and I saw a yellow line of fire, then red, orange and fragments.鈥 Over the years, his vision has deteriorated. Nights spent sheltering in a dark basement have only made it worse. And he is not alone 鈥 according to the United Nations Children鈥檚 Fund (), the devastating conflict in eastern Ukraine is increasingly affecting children鈥檚 mental health, causing nightmares, social isolation and panic attacks. Nearly every child here is now thought to be in need of psychosocial support.
At an event to mark the occasion and to launch the 25th anniversary study, UNICEF's Executive Director, Henrietta Fore, said the has achieved concrete results for children: "For example, since 2000, at least 170,000 children have been released from armed forces and armed groups, many having survived multiple violations 鈥 including abduction or sexual violence." The UN should continue to prioritize helping these children, who have suffered terrible violence, she added. "We should seize all opportunities to increase visibility and awareness of the terrible impact of conflict on children. We should be courageous in taking steps to end impunity and advance accountability for children in situations of armed conflict."
17-year-old Luissana shows us what her school day in Peru looks like amidst COVID-19.
Ho Van Huy in central Viet Nam is happy to be drinking clean water. After storms and floods in the region affected nearly 2 million people in January, UNICEF provided emergency supplies, including water filters, to affected communities. Smiling is contagious and these happy children from around the world are sure to put a smile on your face! Find out what's been making them smile this year.
Grave violations of children鈥檚 rights in conflict are on the rise around the world, warns . From Afghanistan to Yemen, and Syria to northern Ethiopia, thousands of children paid a devastating price as armed conflict, inter-communal violence, and insecurity continued. The first three months of 2021 saw a slight decrease in the overall number of verified grave violations; however, verified cases of abduction and sexual violence continued to rise at alarming rates - by more than 50 and 10 per cent, respectively, compared to the previous year.
We are living through an era of rapid and far-reaching transformation. As the world has changed 鈥 becoming more digital, more globalized, and more diverse 鈥 childhood is changing with it. The Changing Childhood Project 鈥 a collaboration of and Gallup 鈥 was created to explore these shifts, and to better understand what it means to be a child in the 21st century. UNICEF asked young and older people in 21 countries what is it like to grow up in today鈥檚 world? And how do generations view the world differently? Dive in and discover the changing nature of childhood.
UNICEF has welcomed the announcement that Catherine M. Russell will succeed Henrietta H. Fore as UNICEF's chief. Ms. Russell is currently Assistant to the US President and Director of the White House Presidential Personnel.
: From the smoke and ashes of World War II, a refugee crisis emerged unlike any the world had seen. Out of this destruction, the United Nations International Children鈥檚 Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was stablished. UNICEF was created to ease the burden of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable children. UNICEF's mandate was clear: to help children and young people whose lives and futures were at risk 鈥 no matter what role their country had played in the war. In you can explore how UNICEF has been the agency for children since its inception.
For 75 years, the United Nations Children鈥檚 Fund () has been working tirelessly for child rights and for the well-being of every child. Since its creation in the aftermath of World War II, on 11 December 1946, UNICEF has been at the frontlines of humanitarian crises, armed conflict and natural disasters. Today, the Agency works in over 191 countries and territories and in the world's toughest places to reach the children and young people in greatest need. Together, let's reimagine the future #ForEveryChild. #UNICEF75
As we celebrate her service on our 75th anniversary, watch newfound footage showing how much UNICEF really meant to our . More information on .
Big changes start small. The impact of COVID-19, climate change and conflict affect us all. Don't give up on adults, only together can we change the world.
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The number of children with disabilities globally is estimated at almost 240 million, according to UNICEF鈥檚 most comprehensive to date. 鈥淭his new research confirms what we already knew: Children with disabilities face multiple and often compounding challenges in realizing their rights,鈥 said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. The report includes data from 42 countries and covers more than 60 indicators of child well-being 鈥 from nutrition and health, to access to water and sanitation, protection from violence, and education.
鈥淲hen there are floods, we take our shoes and socks off and put them in our school bags,鈥 says Fathimath. 鈥淲e have to wade through the water to our classrooms.鈥 Fathimath鈥檚 school is on a small island about a 45-minute boat ride from Male, the capital of Maldives 鈥 and just 30 metres from the ocean. The only thing protecting the school from rising sea levels are a handful of coconut palms, some of which have already collapsed into the sea, and a line of sandbags packed under the school鈥檚 main gate. Even with this precaution, the area still floods a few times a year, covering the school courtyard.
The report presents the Children鈥檚 Climate Risk Index, which uses data showing new global evidence on how many children are currently exposed to climate hazards, shocks and stresses.