Press release
At least 322 children reportedly killed in the Gaza Strip following breakdown of ceasefire
NEW YORK/AMMAN, 31 March 2025, – The breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of intense bombardments and ground operations in the Gaza Strip has reportedly left at least 322 children dead and 609 injured – constituting a daily average of around 100 children killed or maimed over the past 10 days. Most of these c...
.webp?itok=yuekVthw)
Press release
Millions of children at grave risk following Myanmar’s deadliest earthquake in decades
NEW YORK/BANGKOK/YANGON, 30 March 2025 –, Millions of children are at risk following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation. UNICEF is warning of the escalating impact on children and families—with needs rising by the hour and afte...
Press release
‘Not the new normal’ – 2024 'one of the worst years in UNICEF’s history' for children in conflict
NEW YORK, 28 December 2024 –, The impact of armed conflicts on children around the world reached devastating and likely record levels in 2024, according to a review by UNICEF of the latest available data and prevailing global trends. More children than ever are estimated to be either living in conflict zones or fo...
Statement
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the impact of the situation in Syria on children
NEW YORK, 8 December 2024 – , “With the situation in Syria rapidly evolving, UNICEF reiterates the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for calm, to refrain from violence, and to protect the rights of all Syrians – especially children, at least 80 of whom have been killed in the past two weeks. “UNICEF remains steadfast ...
Video
UNICEF ED Catherine Russell travelled to China
Embedded video follows China has made substantial progress towards the Global Goals but gaps remain. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell travelled to China to see how UNICEF is working with the Government to reach vulnerable children in marginalized communities and ensure their rights are protected.
Press release
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell visits China to see progress and challenges for children
BEIJING/NEW YORK, 21 October 2024 , – UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell travelled to China this week, including the autonomous region of Ningxia, to see first-hand UNICEF’s work for vulnerable children and to learn more about the impact of climate change on the lives of children. “China has made impressi...
Article
Interview: Chinese children have incredible opportunities, says UNICEF chief
YINCHUAN, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese children have incredible opportunities, said United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) executive director Catherine Russell during her visit to Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China this week. Russell, who was in China for the first time as chief of UNICEF, went to see UNICEF pilot programs and…
Video
UNICEF DED on partnership with China to give children the best start in life
Embedded video follows UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden shares her reflections after visiting a UNICEF-supported maternity ward and early childhood development care group for rural families in Gansu Province. Embedded video follows UNICEF DED Kitty van der Heijden shares her reflections after visiting a rural health centre…
Press release
Preventing famine and deadly disease outbreaks in Gaza requires faster, safer aid access and more supply routes
ROME/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 14 January 2023, – As the risk of famine grows, and more people are exposed to deadly disease outbreaks, a fundamental step change in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza is urgently needed, United Nations agencies warned today. The heads of the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) say that getting enough supplies into and…
Article
A new year and new hope for children
With the new year fast approaching, I find myself thinking a lot about the concept of hope – both the power of having it and the despair that can consume us when it is gone. Hope can drive us forward in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It can be all that stops us from giving in to doubt and insecur...
Statement
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the resumption of fighting in Gaza
NEW YORK, 1 December 2023, – “Today, the Gaza Strip is once again the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. After seven days of respite from horrific violence, fighting has resumed. More children will surely die as a result. “Before the pause, more than 5,300 Palestinian children were reportedly killed...
Remarks
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell’s remarks at the UN Security Council briefing on the protection of children in Gaza
NEW YORK, November 22, 2023 – , “Excellencies, “Thank you to Ambassador Nusseibeh, Ambassador Zhang Jun, and Ambassador Frazier for bringing us together to speak about the worsening situation for children in the State of Palestine and Israel. “I would also like to thank this Council for its adoption of Resolution ...