Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said Tuesday that more than 200 million children in over 130 countries will require humanitarian assistance in 2026, marking one of the most severe global crises facing children.
Speaking at the first regular session of the UNICEF Executive Board, agency chief Catherine Russell said the scale and complexity of challenges confronting children worldwide are intensifying as conflicts, climate shocks, economic instability, and inequality continue to deepen.
The humanitarian situation facing children today is among the most severe ever recorded, Russell said, noting that more than 200 million children across over 130 countries will need humanitarian aid in 2026.
She said the global environment for children has become increasingly difficult, with mounting pressure on families and communities as needs grow while resources shrink.
Russell said the world is undergoing a period of major transition, affecting the multilateral system and international aid, and challenging the collective responsibility to protect those most in need, particularly children.
Warning that decades of progress in child survival are now at risk, she said 2025 could become the first year this century in which child deaths increase, reversing generations of gains.
She emphasized that child and maternal health remain core priorities for UNICEF even as humanitarian demands continue to rise, driven by conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and inequality.
Russell also cited a sharp increase in violence against children, saying last year recorded the highest number of verified grave violations ever documented, including killings, abductions, and sexual violence.
She noted that famine re-emerged in 2025, with two famines declared simultaneously—an unprecedented and deeply alarming development.
Despite growing needs, Russell said abrupt and severe funding cuts are forcing difficult choices across humanitarian operations, affecting the delivery of life-saving services for children.
She added that UNICEF, which operates in more than 190 countries and territories, must find ways to maximize impact through stronger partnerships, reforms, and more efficient use of resources.
Russell said decisions on funding, reform, and cooperation will shape what is possible for children in the years ahead. (Anadolu)