Children in conflict zones urgently need protection. UNICEF stands up for these girls and boys. And together with you, we never give up.
The situation
There are over 460 million children currently living in conflict zones around the world. That’s double the number from 1990. These children are constantly exposed to the threat of violence, bombs, mines, exploitation and human trafficking. They are growing up amid death and destruction, which has devastating effects on their mental health. In Ukraine, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, war and armed conflict are robbing children of their right to a happy childhood.
Even in areas where ceasefires are in effect, the children there urgently need our help. Months – or sometimes years – of war have left psychological scars. One of these traumatized children is Walaa.
Meet Walaa (4) from Sudan
Although she’s only four, Walaa has already been displaced three times, and in the 18 months since the outbreak of the war in Sudan, she’s traveled 1,500 kilometers in search of a safe haven. Walaa was once a happy and energetic child, but the war has changed her. “She hardly speaks anymore since the war started,” her mother says. “When I walk away from her, I find her in the same spot when I return. It’s as though the life has been drained out of her.” The trauma caused by persistent displacement and fear has left lasting scars which, without immediate help, can affect a child throughout their entire life.
Fortunately for Walaa and her family, UNICEF maintains a child-friendly space near her new home. Here she has access to psychological support and can experience feelings of safety and routine in a protected space. Although the road to recovery is long, Walaa is on the right track thanks to timely psychosocial support and is showing small but important signs of positive change.
We help give children like Walaa a chance for a better future.
UNICEF helps children and families before, during and after armed conflicts.
How your donation helps
Along with immediate humanitarian assistance like medical care, therapeutic food and safe drinking water, your support also helps UNICEF in
- reuniting child refugees and their families;
- ensuring that children have access to education;
- establishing child friendly spaces;
- providing psychosocial support and treatment for trauma;
- informing children on the dangers of mines and explosive weapons (mine risk education) and supporting mine clearance programs;
- providing individual care to victims of violence, human trafficking, sexual abuse and recruitment by armed groups.
Children in conflict zones urgently need protection. Join us as we work to give these children protection. And hope.