What we do

The Issues

Relief for earthquake victims through psychosocial activities in IDP camps in Indonesia

The number of civil conflicts in our region has considerably reduced in the past decade. But many previously displaced people are still waiting to be resettled while poverty, sectarian violence and development projects continue to drive many families out of their homes. Armed forces and rebel armies also still recruit children in our region, particularly in Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Dangers during flight. Children can fall victim to violence, disease, malnutrition and death as they flee. They may become separated from their families, placing them in danger of forced recruitment, human trafficking, hazardous labour and sexual exploitation.
Risks in camps. Crowded conditions and poverty in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps increase people’s vulnerability to disease, violence, abuse and exploitation. Displaced children also face discrimination and incarceration and often lack legal identities – a factor that makes them attractive to human traffickers.
Lack of legal recognition. Many countries in our region have yet to ratify the 1951 UN Convention on refugees and do not recognize internally displaced populations within national boundaries.

UNICEF in Action

UNICEF believes that all children have the same rights to food, health and education, as well as the right to preserve their identity. We seek to help refugee and IDP children by:

Advocating that governments ratify and uphold the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict;
Providing access to education and other basic services;
Launching income-generating projects for displaced communities;
Raising awareness and understanding of children’s rights and protection issues; and
Conducting disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes for former child soldiers.

Family in camp after a tsunami destroys their home in Thailand

Three generations find refuge after a tsunami destroys their home in Thailand

UNICEF in Action

When natural disasters strike, UNICEF is on the ground immediately in response to its mandate to protect and assist children’s and women’s rights and development. Our emergency activities include:

Restoring basic services such as health, education, water and sanitation, and overseeing rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction;
Providing psychosocial and other support for young survivors;
Supporting governments in developing emergency preparedness plans;
Conducting disaster-preparedness training for children and young people; and
Developing indicators that guide decision-makers on how to address the needs of children and young people during emergencies.

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