Data on the situation of children in the Middle East and North Africa
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What we do

Working to ensure that every child and young person survives and thrives

15.09.2025, Central Gaza Strip: Thousands of Palestinian families flee Gaza City toward the southern part of the Gaza Strip amid heavy bombardment and evacuation orders, not knowing whether they’ll find shelter, food, water or access to basic services.

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to protect the rights of every child — with a special focus on the most disadvantaged and hardest to reach.

Across the region, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential.

We provide and advocate for quality education, health and nutrition services, and protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse. We bring clean water and sanitation to families in need, while working to keep children safe from the impacts of conflict, climate change and disease.

UNICEF is also the world’s largest provider of vaccines and operates the largest humanitarian warehouse globally, ensuring the timely delivery of lifesaving supplies wherever they are needed.

Before, during and after emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground in MENA, delivering lifesaving assistance and giving children hope for a better future.

Our programmes