As multiple, overlapping, conflict-related crises intensify across the Middle East, UNICEF is working with partners to expand emergency assistance measures and reach more children and their families with urgently needed protection and support. Here is a look at five critical areas of impact:

By day, 1,200 students, including 400 internally displaced children from Al Fasher and Tawila, crowd into this school's classrooms. By night, the same rooms become a refuge for families displaced by the brutal civil war in #Sudan. A look at how support from UNICEF helps keep the school running:

UNICEF is deeply concerned about the deadly impact the ongoing military escalation in Iran is having on children. Approximately 180 children have reportedly been killed and many more injured. www.unicef.org/press-releas...

As polio vaccination rates drop, the risk of polio's return rises. To resign polio to the history books for good, we must make sure that every child can be protected with polio vaccines. #EndPolio https://endpol.io/4aMFLPA

For many children, access to life-saving vaccines isn’t just a matter of supply, but whether the women in their lives have the time, money and freedom to reach them. Here are 7 ways gender inequality still blocks access to vaccines: bit.ly/4ufY60E

“It’s heartbreaking for us to see again and again children paying the heaviest price in a conflict that they have no say in and didn’t ask for.” UNICEF's @ricardopires.bsky.social talks with @nbcnews.com about escalating conflict in Lebanon and the region, as well as the humanitarian response:

What doesn't change when conflict happens? Children's needs. Across the Middle East and North Africa, UNICEF supports vaccination, neonatal care and treatment for malnutrition by ensuring essential services keep running.

Rising violence in the #WestBank is intensifying child protection risks, displacing families and impeding access to the services children rely on. UNICEF is there, working with partners to support Palestinian children with basic health care and other essentials. A look at this work in action:

The escalation of violence and fighting in #Sudan has uprooted thousands of families — with children and women bearing the brunt of the suffering. Nine-year-old Tuqaa and her siblings have seen things no child should ever witness:

Across the Middle East, UNICEF continues to deliver for children and families through ongoing programs and interventions across all major program areas — health, nutrition, safe water, education and protection — but rising needs continue to outpace available resources. What you need to know:

Improving health outcomes in countries like #Mali requires improving health infrastructure — in particular, ensuring that health facilities have a steady source of power. This is where #solar energy comes in:

Every day, local governments make decisions that shape children’s lives. Yet children are often left out of the conversation. At a time when communities face complex challenges, we must ask: How will this decision affect children's well-being? Child-centered governance offers a clear answer.

In #Haiti, children are too often forced to join armed groups to support their families or after receiving direct threats to themselves or loved ones. An initiative from UNICEF and partners aims to protect them from recruitment and help them rebuild their lives.

Meet 5-year-old Taghreed, a bright-eyed little girl who's learning to live with a life-changing injury in #Gaza. More than 44,000 children have been injured since the start of the war in October 2023. Here's how UNICEF is helping children like her heal, learn and rebuild their dreams:

"The war took the most important person in my life — my dad," says Veronika, 16, of #Ukraine. Four years since the full-scale invasion began, millions of children across Ukraine carry profound loss while trying to move forward. Here, Veronika shares how she finds strength through creativity:

Children in Iran and across the region are living through moments no child should ever know. This weekend’s military escalation in the Middle East marks a dangerous moment for millions of children in the region. UNICEF is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation.

UNICEF statement on the impact of the military escalation on children in the Middle East: www.unicef.org/press-releas...

Meet Amina — a midwife and mother of four from #Sudan, displaced like the women she serves. “We still have something to give,” she says. Through frontline workers like her, children and mothers can access essential care, protection and hope: https://uni.cf/4tYLWJp #HumansOfAlFasher

For many children in #Ukraine, power outages mean cold nights, disrupted routines and long days without light to study or play. UNICEF is working to deliver winter supplies, establish safe spaces and provide mental health support for children. Here's what you need to know: https://bit.ly/4l09uJS

In #Haiti, children are too often forced to join armed groups to support their families or after receiving direct threats to themselves or loved ones. An initiative from UNICEF and partners aims to protect them from recruitment and help them rebuild their lives.

Rising violence in the #WestBank is intensifying child protection risks, displacing families and impeding access to the services children rely on. UNICEF is there, working with partners to support Palestinian children with basic health care and other essentials. A look at this work in action:

Sofiia dreams of becoming a doctor, inspired by the medical workers she sees helping others every day. Even amid air raids and damaged schools, young people across #Ukraine are holding onto their futures. Learn how UNICEF is working to protect Ukraine’s next generation: https://bit.ly/4l09uJS

Conversations can change lives — and for America’s youngest changemakers, open and honest dialogue isn’t optional. We partnered with The Harris Poll to survey thousands of young people ages 14–22 across the U.S. about issues that matter most to them, including civic engagement and participation.

This week, our UNICEF #Sudan colleagues launched #HumansOfAlFasher — sharing the voices of children, families and frontline workers in and around Al Fasher. Join us to hear their stories, stand with them and amplify their voices:

In Tigray, #Ethiopia, unexploded ordnance and other remnants of war continue to pose serious threats. With support from UNICEF, these children are taking to the stage to teach their peers and communities how to stay safe:

The war in #Ukraine is taking a heavy toll on the lives, friendships and education of the nation's children. A student and teacher in eastern Ukraine describe the indelible impacts of a brutal conflict — and what it's taught them about resilience and the power of community:

Across #Ukraine, parents like Ganna are doing everything they can to protect their families through power outages and ongoing disruptions to daily life. 💙 Here's how UNICEF is standing with Ukraine’s children and families, and how you can help: https://bit.ly/4l09uJS

Now four years into the escalation of war in #Ukraine, intense strikes are devastating energy and water systems at a time of sub-zero temperatures, and children's lives and futures are at risk. Andrew from our Global Programs team offers a closer look at how UNICEF is responding to the crisis:

In Kharkiv, teacher Liubov Mykhailivna looks back on how the war in #Ukraine has shaped the lives of her young students. Many fled the country in search of safety four years ago, but even in the face of ongoing challenges, children are now finding connection in the classroom again:

Fleeing intense fighting in Al Fasher, Tayba and her children traveled on foot, with nothing to eat, to Tawila, joining so many others displaced by violence in #Sudan. Their story shows the devastating impact of conflict — and why access to nutrition and health care during crises is essential.

Online hate speech can show up where your child chats, plays and connects with friends. This is how you can help them recognize harmful content and feel confident about what to do if they encounter it. #SaferInternetDay

As families return to Khartoum, #Sudan, UNICEF is on the ground, working with partners to support the restoration of essential services so children and their families can settle back safely. Here are some of the ways UNICEF is helping children in Khartoum get their childhoods back:

"Rebuilding Gaza’s schools, educational facilities and universities must sit at the top of Gaza’s recovery agenda. Restoring education restores possibility," says @james-unicef.bsky.social. Here's how UNICEF is working to get every school-age child in #Gaza back into the classroom:

At least 16,000 people have been displaced from their homes and nearly 29,000 children are unable to attend school in the wake of #CycloneGezani, the second cyclone to hit #Madagascar in two weeks. UNICEF is on the ground delivering lifesaving support. The latest, including how to help:

We're now accepting applications for our National Youth Council! 💙 This is a unique opportunity for U.S.‐based youth ages 14‑24 to work with our staff, advocate for child rights and shape our approach to community engagement and social justice. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/4aywsCY

Welcome news this week: A joint UN convoy led by UNICEF, WFP and UNDP has reached Dilling and Kadugli, in South Kordofan, #Sudan — the first major aid deliveries there in three months. Lifesaving supplies will support over 130,000 people, bringing urgent relief to families cut off by conflict.

ICYMI, our Chief Legal Officer, Jessica Leinwand, recently co-authored this article in @bloomberglaw.com examining an often-overlooked risk in the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure across the U.S. — child labor. Building the future of AI must not come at the expense of children’s rights.

The results are in: 81% of Gen Z believe they can make a difference in America. So, what does that mean — and what do young people want leaders to know?

"Rebuilding Gaza’s schools, educational facilities and universities must sit at the top of Gaza’s recovery agenda. Restoring education restores possibility," says @james-unicef.bsky.social. Here's how UNICEF is working to get every school-age child in #Gaza back into the classroom:

As a participant in UNICEF's UPSHIFT program, 16-year-old Yaroslav looks for ways to make an impact in his community in Odesa, #Ukraine. When a friend lost his sight, Yaroslav adapted a board game for use by children with visual impairments by adding Braille to the cards. His creativity in action:

UNICEF is deeply concerned by the reports that children arrested in connection with the recent public unrest in Iran remain in detention. www.unicef.org/press-releas...

9 years ago, a water reservoir and tap system transformed life in Qafila Bashi village in Bamyan. Safe water meant fewer long walks and more time in school for children. 12-year-old Abdul Ahad washes his face at a tap inside his home, drawing clean water from that same system.

Before violence shattered his life, 15-year-old Ali* lived with his mother in #Haiti. She was killed when gunfire erupted in their neighborhood. Not long after that, an armed group tried to recruit Ali and threatened him when he refused. *name changed

At least 16,000 people have been displaced from their homes and nearly 29,000 children are unable to attend school in the wake of #CycloneGezani, the second cyclone to hit #Madagascar in two weeks. UNICEF is on the ground delivering lifesaving support. The latest, including how to help:

The Democratic Republic of Congo is seeing a significant increase in acts of sexual violence against girls and young women. A support center offers a sanctuary for treatment — and to be heard. n.pr/4rGG1Hv

"For these children, this is a very, very important day." UNICEF’s Jonathan Crickx takes us to a learning space in the #Gaza Strip, where our colleagues are distributing the first school supplies to enter the area in two years:

In #Ukraine, attacks on energy infrastructure have left children freezing cold and in the dark. From setting up generators in hospitals to providing mental health support in child-friendly spaces, see how UNICEF is responding to the crisis:

At least 6,000 children in Madagascar have been displaced by Cyclone Gezani, the second cyclone to hit the country since late January. UNICEF and partners have distributed supplies for health, hygiene and clean water and are also setting up temporary learning spaces. https://unicef.link/4tBCefT

Meet 5-year-old Taghreed, a bright-eyed little girl who's learning to live with a life-changing injury in #Gaza. More than 44,000 children have been injured since the start of the war in October 2023. Here's how UNICEF is helping children like her heal, learn and rebuild their dreams:

UNICEF remains on the ground in #Haiti, determined to keep delivering support and protection to children and families caught in a cycle of suffering fueled by violence and interrelated crises. A look at this urgent work, and how you can help: