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7 results
  • Article (11)
  • Document (1)
  • (-) Page (6)
  • Press release (3)
  • (-) Programme (1)
  • Report (7)
  • Adolescent and youth participation (1)
  • Armed conflict (1)
  • Child protection (5)
  • (-) Childrens rights (4)
  • COVID-19 (1)
  • Discrimination (1)
  • (-) Early education (1)
  • Education (2)
  • Education in emergencies (1)
  • (-) EU (1)
  • Fathers (1)
  • Health (4)
  • Immunization (4)
  • Migrant and refugee crisis (4)
  • Motherhood (1)
  • Mothers (1)
  • Newborn health (1)
  • Nutrition (1)
  • Parenting (1)
  • Refugee and migrant children (5)
  • (-) Refugees (2)
  • Roma (1)
  • Vaccines (3)
  • Albania (1)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina (2)
  • Bulgaria (1)
  • ECA (2)
  • ECARO (1)
  • Europe and Central Asia (1)
  • Greece (2)
  • Montenegro (1)
  • Serbia (2)
  • Türkiye (1)
  • UNICEF Kosovo Programme (1)
Programme
29 January 2021
Improving health literacy among refugee and migrant children
https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories-region/improving-health-literacy-among-refugee-and-migrant-children
UNICEF has worked with partners and with young refugees and migrants on the ground to identify information gaps – work that has, in turn, guided the development of health literacy packages across all five countries on a range of crucial health issues, from immunization and nutrition to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV). The assessment has shaped the development of detailed plans on how to ensure that health messages reach their audience and have an impact. The health literacy packages have also drawn on existing materials, including Facts for Life , My Safety and Resilience Girls Pocket Guide and an adapted version of the UNFPA curriculum: ‘Boys on the Move’. Refugees and migrants face a chronic lack of health information in their own languages, and a lack of information that reaches them through the channels or people they trust health navigation Some common priorities have been identified by refugees and migrants across all five countries, including access to immunization and other primary health care services, breastfeeding and young child feeding, and the prevention of GBV. They have also flagged up the pressing need for more mental health and psychological services. Other issues have emerged as priorities in specific countries, including cyberbullying and online safety in Italy, and substance abuse among young people In Serbia – the focus of a new in-depth UNICEF study. Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic is a new and urgent priority for refugee and migrant communities – and one that has heightened the health risks they already face by curtailing their movements and their access to health services. A consultation with refugee and migrant adolescents and young people living in Italy has revealed major gaps in their knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, drawing on an online survey, a U-Report poll and a series of focus group discussions. It has highlighted some common misunderstandings, such as the myth that masturbation causes infertility, and continued perceptions around the importance of a woman’s virginity at marriage, as well as knowledge gaps around menstruation, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The consultation also found, however, that the young participants want to know far more about this crucial area of health. As one young man from Guinea noted during a focus group discussion: “often young people do not want to know if they have an infection, also because they are not aware that these can be treated. It is so critical to raise awareness on STIs tests and treatment options.”  
Page
09 June 2021
Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on children and families in the Western Balkans and Türkiye
https://www.unicef.org/eca/mitigating-impact-covid-19-children-and-families-western-balkans-and-t%C3%BCrkiye
There is abundant evidence that children bear a heavy burden resulting from disrupted essential services, increased social isolation, and loss of family income. In pandemic times, parents and caregivers are more likely to feel overwhelmed with providing stimulation and care for their young children and delay seeking prompt medical attention for children. Childhood immunization and other basic services were often suspended. School closures can mean a year of lost learning and children become more susceptible to dropping out. Uncertainties have created family distress, which contributes to serious mental health issues, especially among children who are vulnerable to violence and abuse. The pandemic has deepened pre-existing vulnerabilities of children with disabilities and children living in poverty. In 2021, UNICEF and the European Commission Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations launched a two-year initiative to strengthen national health, education, early childhood development, and child protection systems to ensure continuity in the provision of core services for vulnerable children and their families in the immediate and the longer-term recovery response to COVID-19. The initiative is being implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo* [1] , Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Türkiye.  
Page
02 July 2020
‘RM Child-Health’: safeguarding the health of refugee and migrant children in Europe
https://www.unicef.org/eca/rm-child-health-safeguarding-health-refugee-and-migrant-children-europe
More than 1.3 million children have made their way to Europe since 2014, fleeing conflict, persecution and poverty in their own countries. They include at least 225,000 children travelling alone – most of them teenage boys – as well as 500,000 children under the age of five. In 2019 alone, almost 32,000 children (8,000 of them unaccompanied or separated) reached Europe via the Mediterranean after perilous journeys from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and many parts of Africa – journeys that have threatened their lives and their health. Many have come from countries with broken health systems, travelling for months (even years) with no access to health care and facing the constant risks of violence and exploitation along the way. Many girls and boys arriving in Europe have missed out on life-saving immunization and have experienced serious distress or even mental health problems. They may be carrying the physical and emotional scars of violence, including sexual abuse. The health of infants and mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding has been put at risk by a lack of pre- and post-natal health services and of support for child nutrition. Two girls wash a pot in the common washing area of the Reception and Identification Centre in Moria, on the island of Lesvos, in Greece. Two girls wash a pot in the common washing area of the Reception and Identification Centre in Moria, on the island of Lesvos, in Greece. Child refugees and migrants also face an increased health risk as a result of crowded and unhygienic living conditions during their journeys and at their destinations. Even upon their arrival in Europe, refugee and migrant children and families often face continued barriers to their health care, such as cultural issues, bureaucracy, and a lack of information in their own language. Southern and South East European countries are at the heart of this challenge, struggling to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable refugee and migrant children. And now, an already serious problem is being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Refugee checks on his son
Page
02 October 2017
What we do
https://www.unicef.org/eca/what-we-do
Students, some with disabilities, participate in a UNICEF photography workshop in Azerbaijan Adolescents A mother and her three children in Georgia. The family live in extreme poverty but with UNICEF's support they have managed to stay together. Child poverty A conflict-affected girl takes part in a celebration of the International Children's Day in Svyatohirsk, eastern Ukraine. The event was organized by the Community Protection Centre supported by UNICEF. Child protection Stanislava, 15, lives in a family type placement centre for children with disabilities and attends mainstream school. Children with disabilities A baby and her sister play together in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Early childhood development Children at a refugee centre in Turkey draw on paper at a school Education Kindergarden children practice an emergency response drill at a school in Kyrgyzstan. Emergencies 11-year-old Ajsa is photographed in front of a laptop, with her head in her hands. Ending violence against children A female student attends a networking meeting at a school in Tajikistan. Gender A newborn baby in a hospital in Kyrgyzstan that was entirely rehabilitated by UNICEF. Health A woman loads vaccine into a syringe Immunization Headshot of a Roma girl looking directly at the camera Roma and ethnic minority children
Page
03 October 2017
Work with UNICEF
https://www.unicef.org/eca/take-action/work-with-unicef
A day at the office can mean many things to a UNICEF staff member It could mean talking with a 14-year-old former child soldier about their experiences, or finding funding for vital supplies for children during an emergency, or dedicating each day to efforts to eradicate a killer disease.  It's not all drama, of course.  Much of the organization's work is all but invisible: securing funding for HIV/AIDS or immunization programmes, for example, or chipping away at political inertia, or setting up structures for effective emergency response. And there's the vital task of building alliances with local communities, helping them to ensure the education, protection and well-being of their own children. This selection of UNICEF staff profiles aims to give you an insight into the way the organization works, day by day, to improve the lives of individual children around the world. Interested in a similar job? Please be sure to visit the vacancies section.
Page
04 October 2017
The situation for children in Europe and Central Asia
https://www.unicef.org/eca/situation-children-europe-and-central-asia
2023’s Situation of Children in Europe and Central Asia Newborn Two-thirds of newborn deaths Two-thirds of newborn deaths could be prevented during pregnancy, at birth and during the first week of life. Stepan, 14, with his mother Kristine, 32, live in extreme poverty in the outskirts of city of Vanadzor, Armenia. 35-40 million children  An estimated 35-40 million children are living below the national poverty lines. In Krakow, Poland, 6-year-old receives his immunizations from Nurse 1 million children 1 million children do not receive all recommended vaccines. Children buy fried snacks at school One in three children  One in three children aged 6-9 years is overweight or obese. On 7 March 2020, refugees and migrants gather at the Pazarkule border crossing near Edirne, Turkey, hoping to cross over into Greece. 5 million children Over 5 million children are refugees. Air pollution in Serbia 4 out of 5 children 4 out of 5 children in the region are breathing polluted air.  The region continues to face major equity gaps in the realization of all rights for all children, with particular groups of children more likely than others to miss out on services and opportunities. To address these gaps and reach all children, UNICEF works in the areas of child protection, education, early childhood development, emergencies, health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene and social policy. The most disadvantaged children are too often denied the care and protection experienced by their peers. National systems, such as education, health, child protection and social welfare systems could, and should, meet the needs of every child – including the most vulnerable.  Greater investment in services that meet the needs of the most vulnerable children would help maximize the impact of the economic and social progress already being made across the region. Investments that support vulnerable children represent a sound investment in the future, with massive returns in terms of health, well-being and productivity.  children pose for a photo in a classroom in Kindergarten in Romania UNICEF/ Adrian Holerga Situation of children in Europe and Central Asia “ Situation Analysis of Children Rights in Europe and Central Asia: Unequal progress, Children left behind ” spotlights deepening inequalities and urges countries to put in place sound systems to support children at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The report is the first of its kind to bring together existing data and analysis for all countries in the region, while highlighting critical data gaps that need to be filled.
Page
04 October 2017
UNICEF ambassadors in Europe and Central Asia
https://www.unicef.org/eca/unicef-ambassadors-europe-and-central-asia
Artur Aleksyanyan Armenia Artur Aleksanyan Artur Aleksanyan is the most decorated Olympian of independent Armenia, a Greco-Roman wrestler, and one of the most renowned Armenian athletes of the 21st century.  He was appointed as a UNICEF Armenia Ambassador in November 2019 Henrikh Mkhitaryan Armenia Henrikh Mkhitaryan   Armenian footballer Henrikh Mkhitaryan plays for Italian club Roma. Previously he played for Arsenal and Manchester United. Appointed as a National Ambassador in November 2016, he has participated in UNICEF campaigns to support equal opportunities for every child. Vladimir Pougatch Belarus Vladimir Pougatch Vladimir Pougatch, from the band J:MORS, became a UNICEF Ambassador in Belarus in November 2014. He spearheaded a 2012 UNICEF campaign to change attitudes towards children in conflict with the law, including the film ‘Angels Never Sleep’. Vladimir supports our work for adolescents . Edin Džeko  Bosnia and Herzegovina Edin Džeko  Footballer Edin Džeko plays for Italian club Roma and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Appointed as a National Ambassador in 2009, Edin has participated in UNICEF campaigns to support early childhood development , as well as children with disabilities and those without parental care . Vladimir Ampov (‘Grafa’) Bulgaria Vladimir Ampov (‘Grafa’) Grafa (The Count) has been a UNICEF Ambassador in Bulgaria since September 2014. This well-known and respected singer, composer, producer and writer aims to focus the attention of the public on the challenges facing children and families, and involve them in the solutions. Maja Vučić Croatia Maja Vučić Singer Maja Vučić became a Special Representative for Parents and Babies and National Ambassador in November 2006. Maja promotes early childhood development and has supported UNICEF’s work in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Rwanda, as well as refugee and migrant children in Croatia.  Bojana Gregorić Vejzović Croatia Bojana Gregorić Vejzović This award-winning Croatian actress became a UNICEF National Ambassador in August 2004. Bojana’s support for children’s rights includes a special focus on children without parental care . As well as raising funds for UNICEF, she promotes the ideals that guide our work.   Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni Croatia Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni Zlatan became the first UNICEF Ambassador in Croatia in July 2003. The well-known singer works to end violence and discrimination against children, helps to raise funds for UNICEF, and reaches young people with UNICEF’s messages.  Slaven Bilić Croatia Slaven Bilić Slaven Bilić, Manager of West Ham United football club, became a National Ambassador in February 2008. He spearheaded Croatia’s ‘Break the Chain’ campaign against cyberbullying, and has focused on ending violence against children, as well as the promotion of child-friendly cities.  Nikoloz Rachveli Georgia Nikoloz Rachveli Nikoloz Rachveli, composer and conductor, became a National Ambassador in June 2017, focusing on children with disabilities and ending violence against children . He uses his concerts to advocate for child rights and participated in the ‘See Every Colour’ campaign to tackle discrimination. Antonije Pušić ('Rambo Amadeus') Montenegro Antonije Pušić ('Rambo Amadeus') Musician Antonije Pušić, known as Rambo Amadeus, became a National Ambassador in 2006. He has supported many national campaigns, including those on children with disabilities , ending violence against children and expanding foster care . Andreea Marin Romania Andreea Marin TV presenter, producer, journalist, author and editor Andreea Marin has been a voice for children in Romania as a National Ambassador since 2006. Andreea has championed children’s rights, including improving access to immunization and preventing family separation in numerous telethons, campaigns and other public events.  Gheorghe Hagi Romania Gheorghe Hagi World Cup All-Star Team football player Gheorghe Hagi became a National Ambassador in September 2008. He has been particularly active since his appointment on supporting UNICEF’s work to promote access to education for every child, including a successful campaign to prevent school dropout.  Horia Tecau Romania Horia Tecau Tennis champion Horia Tecau was appointed as a National Ambassador for UNICEF in Romania in April 2017. Horia, the first Romanian tennis player to win Olympic gold, has championed children’s access to health and quality education  for many years. Andrei Tiberiu Maria (Smiley) Romania Andrei Tiberiu Maria (Smiley) TV presenter and pop star Smiley has been a National Ambassador since November 2013. His support for many social causes has included his involvement in UNICEF’s #endviolence campaign in Romania. Focusing on the most vulnerable children, he urges his fans to support children’s rights.  Aleksandar Sasa Djordjevic Serbia Aleksandar Sasa Djordjevic Aleksandar Sasa Djordjevic became a National Ambassador for Serbia in 2005. As an international basketball star and head coach of the Serbian national team, Aleksandar supports UNICEF’s fundraising and programmes, particularly on the prevention of violence against children . Ana Ivanovic Serbia Ana Ivanovic Retired tennis champion Ana Ivanovic became a National Ambassador in 2007. She supports UNICEF’s fundraising and programmes, and promotes UNICEF’s values and ideals. She has been particularly active on the prevention of violence against children at school and online. Gülsin Onay Türkiye Gülsin Onay The renowned pianist Gülsin Onay is the longest serving National Ambassador for UNICEF in Türkiye, appointed in 2003. She is actively involved in UNICEF’s fundraising activities and advocates to protect the rights of all children.  Yıldız Kenter Türkiye Yıldız Kenter A star of stage and screen in Türkiye and beyond, Yıldız Kenter became a National Ambassador for UNICEF in 2007. She is actively involved in UNICEF’s fundraising activities and advocates for UNICEF’s core values and mandates. Ayşe Kulin Türkiye Ayşe Kulin This well-known short-story writer, screenwriter and novelist became a National Ambassador for UNCEF in 2007. She promotes UNICEF's core values and takes an active role in fundraising activities. Müjdat Gezen Türkiye Müjdat Gezen Müjdat, a stage actor, publisher, writer and founder of both a theatre company and television school, became a National Ambassador in 2007. He promotes UNICEF's core values and takes an active role in fundraising activities. Bilkent Senfoni Orkestrası Türkiye Bilkent Senfoni Orkestrası This major symphony orchestra was appointed as a National Ambassador for UNICEF in 2009 in recognition of its efforts on behalf of children. The orchestra raised funds for victims of the İzmit earthquake in 1999 and the Pakistan earthquake in 2005, and has supported UNICEF’s campaign to improve girls’ access to education . Türkan Şoray Türkiye Türkan Şoray This icon of Turkish cinematography holds the record for starring in more feature films than any other leading actress in Türkiye. Türkan was appointed a National Ambassador in 2010. She is passionate about UNICEF's mandate and enjoys being involved in fundraising activities. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ Türkiye Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ Kıvanç, actor, model and former basketball player, became a National Ambassador in 2011. He has been involved in campaigns on child rights, on promoting positive attitude change towards children with disabilities and on the importance of education for children affected by emergencies . Ferhat Göçer Türkiye Ferhat Göçer Musician and surgeon, Ferhat is well-know for combining classical and modern music. He became a National Ambassador in 2012 and is actively involved in UNICEF’s fundraising activities, as well as advocating for UNICEF’s core values and mandate. Şefika Kutluer Türkiye Şefika Kutluer Şefika, classical flautist with the İzmir State Symphony Orchestra, became a National Ambassador in 2012. Her international performances have included a concert at the Palais des Nations in Geneva to mark the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. Tuba Büyüküstün Türkiye Tuba Büyüküstün Tuba, a well-known actress, became a National Ambassador in 2014. She focuses on child protection for the most vulnerable children, particularly the rights of refugee and migrant children . Cedi Osman Türkiye Cedi Osman Cedi is a Turkish professional basketball player currently for the Turkish National Team and Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In his role as a UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador, Cedi Osman will focus on youth engagement and sports.

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