In conflict and disaster, children suffer first and suffer most. During emergencies and humanitarian contexts, children are especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence. Children living in conflict areas are worst off – they are more likely to be living in extreme poverty, for instance, or not enrolled in primary school.

The chaos and insecurity of conflict threatens or destroys access to food, shelter, social support and health care, and results in increased vulnerability in communities, especially for children. UNICEF focuses on these children and their families to provide them with the essential interventions required for protection, to save lives and to ensure the rights of all children, everywhere.

UNICEF also works to strengthen the links between humanitarian action and development work. Our presence in many countries before, during and after emergencies, delivers a continuum of support. For example, the rehabilitation and upgrade of water and sanitation systems serve vulnerable households in both the immediate crisis and the longer term.

UNICEF also builds the long-term capacity of health ministries and civil society partners to identify, treat and prevent chronic conditions such as malnutrition. Sustainable interventions are important because crises are not one-time shocks; their impact can last for years.

Whenever and wherever disasters strike, UNICEF is there, delivering life-saving therapeutic food, safe water, shelter and medicine within 48 to 72 hours. Please give to help save lives. Your donation to our Emergency Fund will ensure we are always prepared to take immediate action.