BREAKING: Lebanon ceasefire — children in urgent need.
Donate now.

We’re responding to the needs of children in the Middle East to ensure they’re healthy, educated and safe from harm. 

Rich in ancient cultures and natural resources, the Middle East has played a pivotal role in shaping the world as we know it today. Connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, the region is home to numerous countries, each with its own distinct history, culture, and traditions. In fact, many of the world’s oldest civilisations originated in the Middle East, and it’s also the birthplace of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 

In recent times, natural disasters, wars, terrorism, and political upheaval have wreaked havoc on the lives of children and their families. Countries like Syria and Yemen continue to endure over a decade of conflict, pushing many communities to the brink. At the same time, the war in Gaza has ignited further tensions in an already fragile region. 

UNICEF is supporting children across the Middle East, including 

We’re protecting the rights of children across the Middle East 

Sadly, the Middle East is home to some countries where children are growing up knowing nothing but war, where girls are being denied a right to education and malnutrition and preventable diseases are having devastating impacts on the lives of children.  

UNICEF has been in the Middle East for over 75 years, working with local partners on long-term development programs focusing on healthcare, nutrition, education, child protection and access to clean, safe water. And UNICEF is always there when emergencies strike, delivering immediate lifesaving support when children need it the most, no matter what. 

A young girl in Gaza sitting amongst ruined buildings© UNICEF/UNI501899/El Baba

Donate to Children in Emergencies

From Gaza and Lebanon to Yemen and Syria, humanitarian emergencies are unfolding across the Middle East. We can't stop crises from happening, but we can ensure that more children survive and thrive. That means being on the ground, delivering lifesaving support during emergencies and being there long after a crisis to help restore vital programs to ensure every child is healthy, educated and safe from harm.