This weekend’s military escalation in the Middle East marks a dangerous moment for millions of children in the region.     UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports of strikes in Iran and across the region, illustrating the grave danger for children. There are reports of schools being struck in Iran, including a girls’ school in Minab in Hormozgan province in southern Iran. Scores of students are reportedly killed and many others injured.    UNICEF echoes the call of the Secretary-General for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. UNICEF also urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, including the protection of civilians and the essential services children rely on to survive. Targeting civilians and civilian objects, including schools, is a violation of international law.   UNICEF, together with other UN agencies and humanitarian partners, is actively assessing the situation and stands ready to scale up support to affected children and their families as needed and requested.   https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-statement-impact-military-escalation-children-middle-e…

As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, over a third of the children in Ukraine remain displaced, either within the country or abroad. UNICEF continues to support displaced children in Ukraine and neighbouring host countries, providing access to safe water, health care, nutrition, education, child protection and mental health and psychosocial services. UNICEF also supports the repair and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including schools, health facilities and water systems damaged by attacks. Last year, together with our partners, UNICEF reached 7 million people, including 2.5 million children, with humanitarian assistance. Join us in supporting the children of Ukraine. English: https://unicef.link/support-children-Ukraine Français: https://unicef.link/ukraine-soutenir-les-enfants Español: https://unicef.link/guerra-ucrania

Ten days into the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, the situation is becoming catastrophic for millions of children across the region. Since 28 February, more than 1,100 children have been reported injured or killed in the violence: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/child-casualties-rise-amidst-deepening-middle-east-conflict

In 2024, approximately 4.9 million children died before turning five. Governments and partners must urgently strengthen primary health care, reach children at highest risk and uphold the commitments they’ve made to invest in children. Child survival cannot wait. https://data.unicef.org/resources/levels-and-trends-in-child-mortality-2025/

When conflict or war makes the headlines, your children might have many questions. Here are a few tips to help you navigate those conversations:   🔵 *Start the conversation* - Ask what they already know and how they're feeling. 🔵 *Listen actively* - Give them your full attention. Acknowledge their feelings and remind them it's okay to feel scared or sad. 🔵 *Keep it calm and age*-appropriate - Younger children may fear they're in immediate danger, even from distant events. 🔵 *Avoid labels* - Instead of "bad people" or "evil," use the moment to build compassion for families affected by conflict. 🔵 *Focus on the helpers* - Tell them about humanitarian workers, first responders, and young people helping communities. 🔵 *Manage news exposure* - Consider turning off the news around younger children. With older kids, discuss trusted sources together. 🔵 *Stay calm *- Children take emotional cues from adults. If you're anxious, take time for yourself too. 🔵 *Keep checking in* - Watch for signs of distress: sleep problems, stomachaches, changes in behavior. Reach out to a specialist if needed.   You don't have to have all the answers; you just have to be there for your child. *Read the full tips 👇* *English*: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/how-talk-your-children-about-conflict-and-war *Arabic*: https://www.unicef.org/ar/%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%AB-%D8%A3%D8%B7%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%8… *French*: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/fr/soins-attentifs/comment-parler-des-conflits-et-de-la-guerre-a-v… *Spanish*: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/es/como-hablar-sobre-conflictos-y-guerras-con-tus-hijos