Press releases

More than two million children have now fled Sudan since violence erupted in 2023. During a three-day mission to Chad, UNICEF Executive Director met with some of the 700,000 children who have sought refuge from the conflict in Sudan.

Thousands of children in the Gaza Strip are suffering from acute malnutrition. Since the beginning of the year, an average of 112 children have required medical treatment every single day — a stark reminder of the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Core Resources help UNICEF respond quickly to crises, promote innovation and create lasting change for children. UNICEF uses these flexible resources to provide help where it is needed most urgently. At a time of cuts to international aid, such contributions are crucial.

Nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour in 2024, including around 54 million in hazardous work likely to jeopardize their health, safety, or development, according to new estimates released today.

Zurich, May 17, 2025 – The Star Weeks Award ceremony attended by around 550 children and adults took place today at the Schauspielhaus Zürich, where awards were given out for the most creative children’s fundraising campaigns.

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing negative developments regarding the well-being of children in wealthy countries. More children are experiencing difficulties with school, obesity and falling satisfaction levels. Switzerland is also showing significant decline in some areas.

15 million children in need as violence, hunger, and disease increase, and growing constraints on access and funding compound challenges

Aid continues to be blocked from entering, in breach of international humanitarian law and with dire repercussions for children.

UNICEF calls for urgent response as homes, schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure have sustained severe damage.

Reductions in donor funding threaten to unravel decades of progress for the world’s most vulnerable children and women.