UNICEF: Identity bracelets help keep Gaza Strip children with their families in the midst of the war

Families write the child’s name, his or her date of birth, and the phone number of a family member on the bracelet to help reunite them if they are separated. The bracelets are mainly for children ages six and under who might have difficulty saying or remembering a name or number, but parents may use them for older children if needed. Caregivers are encouraged to help older children memorize the needed information.

Because these children have already been through so much, with nearly all of them—an estimated one million—in need of mental health and psychosocial services to help them cope with trauma, UNICEF and partner staff take care not to raise the fear of separation among these families while distributing the bracelets. Instead, children are taught that this is a means of protection and self-reliance.

Unaccompanied and separated children are more likely to be exploited and abused.  Food and clean water are scarce in most parts of the Gaza Strip, and a child separated from caregivers is at greater risk of hunger and malnutrition. As of June 2024, more than 9,500 children had been diagnosed with acute malnutrition and humanitarian actors warned of famine spreading throughout the Gaza Strip.

To help children cope in this life-threatening situation, they need to remain with their families, who are best able to offer them comfort and support.

UNICEF, through this programme, also raises awareness among mothers and caregivers about how to help their children to cope with trauma through play and other supportive activities.

UNICEF with support of the Government of Japan, continues to provide children and their families in the Gaza Strip, with Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, family strengthening programs, and violence prevention interventions, in addition WASH and nutrition services.