UNICEF Strengthens CONRED’s Response Capacity with Donation of Humanitarian Supplies for Emergencies

Guatemala City, January 29, 2026 — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) delivered humanitarian supplies to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) to strengthen response capacity to emergencies affecting children and their families in Guatemala.

The country is highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as storms, floods, landslides, droughts and seismic activity. These situations disproportionately impact girls, boys and adolescents, affecting their access to safe water, sanitation, education, protection and basic services.

The donation, valued at GTQ 1,722,520.00, includes:
• 10 Rapid Shelter tents
• 5 high-performance tents, including lighting kits and hard flooring
• 2 water purification carts
• 350 family hygiene kits, each designed to meet the needs of 5 people

These supplies will help improve conditions in temporary shelters and ensure essential services, particularly during the early stages of an emergency.

“In every emergency, children face the greatest risks. Having appropriate supplies ready for deployment can make the difference between vulnerability and protection. This handover reaffirms UNICEF’s commitment to working alongside national institutions to ensure a timely, dignified and child-centered humanitarian response,” said Alejandra Trossero, UNICEF Representative in Guatemala.

For her part, Claudinne Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED, highlighted the importance of inter-institutional coordination in enabling faster and higher-quality humanitarian responses for those who need it most.

The hygiene kits will help prevent disease, while the water purification equipment will ensure access to safe water — a critical element for child health in emergency contexts. The specialized tents will strengthen the capacity to establish safe and appropriate spaces for displaced families.

UNICEF and CONRED reaffirm their commitment to continuing to work together to reduce risks, strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure that humanitarian response in Guatemala prioritizes the protection of the rights and well-being of children and adolescents.