Children under the age of 5 undergo rapid brain development, making them particularly susceptible to the long-term consequences of exposure to harmful substances. It is imperative to take immediate action to shield our children from environmental pollutants, as each instance of poisoning represents a loss to our collective future. Every child deserves the right to grow up in a healthy environment.
Children
UNICEF launches its 2024 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal to mitigate the effects of unprecedented humanitarian crises around the world.
In all wars, it is children who suffer first and suffer most.
Bearing witness, James Elder gives a firsthand account of the impact of the war on children and families. Read the UNICEF blogpost here
Recently displaced children in the southern Gaza Strip are accessing only 1.5 to 2 litres of water each day, well below the recommended requirements just for survival, according to UNICEF estimates. According to humanitarian standards, the minimum amount of water needed in an emergency is 15 litres, which includes water for drinking, washing and cooking. For survival alone, the estimated minimum is 3 litres per day. The impact of this on children is particularly dramatic because children are also more susceptible to dehydration, diarrhea, disease and malnutrition.
Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn was a tireless advocate for children’s rights. Soon after becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1988, she went on a mission to Ethiopia, where years of drought and civil strife had caused terrible famine. After visiting UNICEF emergency operations, Audrey talked about the projects to media in the United States, Canada and Europe over several weeks, giving as many as 15 interviews a day. In 1989, Audrey Hepburn gave this passionate speech as world leaders adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
No matter where they live, every child has the right to grow up in a peaceful world on a safe and livable planet. Children must be listened to and included in all decisions that affect them. On this World Children’s Day (20 November), we’re making space for children and young people to raise their voices on issues that are important to them. By prioritizing children's rights and participation, we can help to build a brighter future for everyone. Join us! Explore what’s happening on World Children’s Day.
The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a violation of human rights and a major public health issue with far-reaching implications for global well-being and development. The first World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence (18 November) aims to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, promote support for survivors, and emphasize the need to prevent and eradicate such exploitation while holding perpetrators accountable. On this day, let’s unite to end stigma against victims, protect their rights, and ensure their access to justice and remedies.
In every part of the world, poor mental health causes suffering for children and young people. It is a top cause of death, disease and disability, especially for older adolescents. To achieve positive mental health, UNICEF is calling for investment and action to support and protect all children and young people, and a focus on ending neglect, abuse and childhood traumas. Under the #OnMyMind campaign, the UN agency is asking for support for families through programs that promote positive parenting and ensure that all children and adolescents learn and interact in safe and secure environments with supportive relationships and access to mental health services.
WHO asserts that young people must be protected from deadly second-hand smoke and toxic e-cigarette emissions as well as ads promoting these products.
Children’s rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child apply to environmental protection, and confirms that children have a right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. More than 16,000 children in 121 countries took part in the General Comment No. 26 which emphasizes the urgent need to address the adverse effects of environmental degradation, with a special focus on climate change, on the enjoyment of children’s rights, and clarifies the obligations of States to address environmental harm and climate change. Children are at the forefront of a wave of ground-breaking litigation around the world that has the potential not only to ensure greater accountability on the part of governments and business, but also to trigger fundamental shifts in approach.
The ILO was by the side of the children of seasonal agricultural families all summer to ensure that they could go to school instead of the fields. With the organized educational activities, sightseeing, sports, music, and skill-building workshops, the children had a very productive summer.
Children in 48 out of 49 African countries assessed are categorized as at high or extremely high risk of the impacts of climate change, says a UNICEF report, "Time to Act: African children in the climate change spotlight". Yet, only 2.4% of global climate funding targets children. Children living in the Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria, Guinea, Somalia and Guinea-Bissau are the most at risk.
UNICEF and UNEP are working together on an increasing number of projects that demonstrate how communities across Africa can become more resilient as they adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. UNEP, UNICEF and ILO are working together with young people, governments, employers' and workers' organizations, and the private sector to design and implement the Green Jobs for Youth Pact.
UNICEF presents 14-year-old Djeneba's poem which reveals a vivid picture of a young boy struggling to survive because of conflict in Burkina Faso
Compared to adults, infants and children are uniquely affected by heat stress, leaving them more vulnerable to its short- and long-term effects. Pregnant women and fetuses are also vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. UNICEF brings us some heat wave safety tips.