Press releases
Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns in 2026 for its twentieth anniversary
A-Listers out in force as world’s biggest celebrity football match set to celebrate twentieth anniversary – and smas massive £121m donations record!
UNICEF statement on new reports of children killed and injured by airstrikes in Myanmar
"UNICEF is deeply alarmed by new reports that at least five children have been killed and three others injured in deadly airstrikes that hit Ponnagyun Township, Rakhine State, and Myinmu Township, Sagaing region between 23 and 24 February.
Gaza’s children call for the future they need
This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Chief of Communication in the State of Palestine Jonathan Crickx – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The children of Syria deserve a future worthy of their strength
This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Muzoon Almellehan – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
UNICEF calls for the release of all children arrested in the latest public unrest in Iran
UNICEF is deeply concerned by the reports that children arrested in connection with the recent public unrest in Iran remain in detention.
Drone strike in West Kordofan kills 15 children
The lives and safety of children in Sudan continue to be threatened by unchecked violence. On Monday 16 February, at least 15 children were reportedly killed and 10 wounded after a drone strike on a displacement camp in Al Sunut, West Kordofan.
This war is following children, as attacks on civilian areas continue across Ukraine four years into war
KHERSON/GENEVA, 17 February 2026 – “One freezing night in late January, Kateryna grabbed her two children and ran into the corridor. The explosions were louder than normal by Kherson standards and suddenly a blast ripped through their home.
Successive cyclones put children at risk in Madagascar
ANTANANARIVO, 17 February 2026 — At least 6,000 children have been displaced and nearly 29,000 are unable to attend school in the aftermath of Cyclone Gezani, which struck eastern Madagascar on 10 February with winds exceeding 200 km/h. The second cyclone to hit the country in just two weeks, Gezani has affected more than 270,000 people and displaced over 16,000, according to preliminary reports, many of them children.
More than a third of Ukraine’s children remain displaced four years into war – UNICEF
GENEVA/KYIV, 17 February 2026 – More than a third of Ukraine’s children – 2,589,900 – remain displaced as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year. This includes more than 791,000 children inside Ukraine and nearly 1,798,900 children living as refugees outside the country.
Violence no child can outrun - South Sudan's escalating crisis
GENEVA/JUBA, 13 February 2026 – “Since late December 2025, a devastating escalation of violence has swept across northern and central parts of South Sudan. At least 280,000 people have been displaced in Jonglei State alone. The majority are women and children. For some, this is the second or third time they have been forced to run.
UNICEF statement on attack in Islamabad, Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, 07 February 2026 - “UNICEF strongly condemns the devastating attack at a place of worship in Islamabad yesterday, that reportedly claimed the lives of six children. The killing of children is unconscionable and constitutes a grave violation of their rights.
Over four million girls still at risk of female genital mutilation: UN leaders call for sustained commitment and investment to end FGM
NEW YORK, 6 February 2026 – In 2026 alone, an estimated 4.5 million girlsare at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation.
‘Deepfake abuse is abuse’
NEW YORK, 4 February 2026 – “UNICEF is increasingly alarmed by reports of a rapid rise in the volume of AI-generated sexualised images circulating, including cases where photographs of children have been manipulated and sexualised.
Lives of malnourished children at risk with upsurge in violence in South Sudan
JUBA, 03 February 2026 - More than 450,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition as the hostilities are causing mass displacement and halting of critical health and nutrition services in Jonglei state, warned UNICEF in South Sudan.
UK no-longer measles free, UNICEF UK responds
London, 27 January 2026 - “This announcement is a grave warning about the state of children’s health in the UK. When vaccination rates fall children are left painfully exposed to risks of serious illness, life-long complications, and even death.”
Surge in violence pushes children to the breaking point in northern Mozambique
NEW YORK/MAPUTO, 5 December 2025 – Over 100,000 people, around two thirds of them children, have been displaced in northern Mozambique during the month of November, following attacks against civilians.
UNICEF UK responds to the Government's Child Poverty Strategy
London, Thursday 4 December 2025: Today the Child Poverty Taskforce has revealed their strategy to tackle child poverty in the UK - UNICEF UK responds.
UNICEF UK responds to the end of the two-child limit policy on Universal Credit
Wednesday 26 November 2025, London: Today the Government has announced a full scrap of the harmful two-child limit policy on Universal Credit from April 2026.
Gavi and UNICEF announce equitable pricing deal for malaria vaccine to protect 7 million more children by end of decade
Geneva/New York/Copenhagen, 24 November 2025 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF today announced a new agreement that will make the R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccines significantly more accessible and affordable, paving the way to protect more children from one of the world’s deadliest diseases.