The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched an ambitious $9.9 billion fundraising appeal to address the mounting humanitarian needs of children affected by wars and crises worldwide.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the scale of need as unprecedented:
“The scale of children’s humanitarian needs is at a historically high level, with more children impacted every day.”
The appeal will target 109 million children across 146 countries, providing vital support, including healthcare, education, clean drinking water, malnutrition screening, and gender-based violence mitigation.
By 2025, UNICEF estimates that 213 million children will require humanitarian assistance. The agency faces growing challenges due to a chronic funding shortfall.
Last year, UNICEF sought $9.3 billion, and this year’s appeal marks an increase to meet escalating crises, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Palestine, and Lebanon.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has also issued a $1.4 billion appeal to support 45 million women and girls in 57 countries. Dr Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, highlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in conflict zones:
“In every conflict zone and disaster, women and girls face profound risks that threaten their lives and well-being and access to essential services.”
The funds will address urgent needs, including care for 11 million pregnant women in dire circumstances, with a focus on safe childbirth and protection from gender-based violence.
UNICEF’s and UNFPA’s combined $11.3 billion appeal underscores the growing impact of global conflicts, economic instability, and climate-related disasters. As millions of children and women face life-threatening challenges, the agencies hope for generous global support to sustain their critical missions.
Both appeals emphasise the urgency of funding humanitarian aid to protect and uplift the world’s most vulnerable populations in 2025.
