In an emergency, children can lose everything
Today, children in places like Syria, South Sudan, Yemen and Ukraine are caught up in violent conflict, with millions forced to flee their homes.
Others, in countries such as Nepal, Haiti and the Philippines, have seen their communities destroyed by natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons and flooding.
Wherever and whenever children are caught up in emergencies, Unicef staff are on the ground, providing immediate, life-saving care and supplies, as well as lasting support to help families rebuild their lives.
Rapid response and long-term help
When a sudden disaster like an earthquake or a typhoon hits, our specialist staff work with governments and humanitarian partners to perform a rapid assessment of the situation and assess children’s immediate needs. This helps us understand the risks and vulnerabilities that children are facing, and what’s needed to save lives.
Even when disasters don’t hold the headlines for weeks, Unicef is there to protect children whose worlds have been turned upside down by conflict, drought or other natural disasters. We support them to cope with and recover from the impacts of a disaster.
When an earthquake hits a country like Nepal or Afghanistan, we look at the longer-term impacts of the quake on essential services that children need, like health and education.
In parallel, our staff on the ground ensure that families have access to nutritious food, and safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. When a disaster affects these things, which most of us take for granted, even more children are at risk.
In 2016, 13.6 million people got access to safe water as part of a Unicef emergency response
Life-saving supplies, wherever they’re needed
With permanent offices in more than 190 countries, we’re well placed to coordinate relief by road and air.
Our international supply division in Copenhagen and regional hubs in other parts of the world mean we can send out emergency aid supplies like water containers, nutrition supplements and mosquito nets, as well as essential education materials rapidly.
Protecting children in emergencies
Beyond these life-saving supplies, Unicef offers safety and learning opportunities for children at protected child-friendly spaces and schools. We make sure children’s emotional and social well-being comes first in an emergency by providing psychosocial support.
In countries like South Sudan, where children have been caught up in conflict and even recruited as child soldiers, we work to release children from armed groups and help them reintegrate with their families and communities.
I want to help Syrian refugees and displaced people. I trust Unicef to administer donations efficiently.
Unicef UK supporter
Be part of our emergency response
You can help Unicef protect children as soon as it’s required, wherever in the world children need us most, by making a regular donation to our Children’s Emergency Fund.
As well as enabling us to reach children as soon as an emergency hits, your donations mean we can help families rebuild their lives for the long term, and improve conditions for children.