UNICEF Representative Visits Al-Arish, Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Vulnerable Children

AL ARISH, North Sinai, 10 April 2025 — UNICEF Representative in Egypt, Natalia Winder Rossi, represented the United Nations Children’s Fund in a high-level multi-stakeholder meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, held during his visit to North Sinai. The meeting, which included representatives from global and national organizations—including United Nations agencies, the Egyptian Red Crescent Society, and international civil society—underscored the growing international concern over the unfolding humanitarian crisis resulting from the Gaza conflict.

During this meeting, Ms. Winder Rossi stressed the urgency of a coordinated response to protect the most vulnerable –- children. Alongside UN agencies and partners, she called for a renewed and sustained ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale. Stressing the need for strong partnerships. She underscored that children are bearing the heaviest burden of the conflict, and that collective action is essential to address both immediate and long-term needs.

This was Ms. Winder Rossi’s first official visit to North Sinai and a key moment to reaffirm UNICEF Egypt’s commitment to protecting and supporting all children affected by the crisis—both those medically evacuated from Gaza and the children in Egyptian host communities. UNICEF is working to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to safety, care, and the opportunity to thrive.

Since the start of the conflict, UNICEF has been supporting the Government of Egypt, across different Ministries,  in close coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent, to deliver essential medical supplies, deploy mobile clinics, train healthcare professionals, and establish child-friendly spaces that offer mental health support, safe play, and learning opportunities for displaced children. UNICEF has also rehabilitated water and sanitation facilities at Sheikh Zuweid Hospital and is providing cash assistance to help displaced families meet their most pressing needs.

“Beyond emergency relief, UNICEF is supporting the Government of Egypt to further strengthen national systems, enhance resilience, and ensure that every child has access to healthcare, education, and social and child protection services,” said Ms Winder Rossi. “Every child deserves safety, dignity, and a future full of possibility. UNICEF’s steadfast presence in North Sinai is not only about addressing today’s needs but about helping build the systems and solutions that will support all children tomorrow.”

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