Overview
- Executive Director Catherine Russell says UNICEF expects at least a 20% drop in global funds this year for humanitarian and long-term child programs, reducing vaccinations, medical care and schooling.
- The agency recorded over 40,000 verified child-rights violations in 2024 and estimates 450 million children live in crisis-affected areas, with Sudan standing out for killings, mutilations and abductions.
- In Gaza, UNICEF reports extreme harm to children including widespread injuries, severe malnutrition and the world’s highest per-capita rate of child amputations, with hopes resting on a fragile peace plan.
- UNICEF highlights Haiti’s surge in child recruitment by armed groups, citing estimates that nearly half of some groups’ members are children.
- Russell is pressing political and religious leaders for support after meeting the Pope and engaging donor governments, as UNICEF warns that falling immunization coverage and prolonged school closures risk long-term damage.