Explainers

In an age of information overload, find the clarity and context needed to understand the realities children face.

Understanding the realities children face helps us protect their rights and support their futures. It is our collective responsibility to listen, pay attention, and learn.

With knowledge, we can work for and with children to create safer communities, stronger schools, and better services that help all children grow and thrive. 

Caregivers: Explore UNICEF Parenting for practical tips and insights to give children the best start. 

 

 

Spotlight

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a lifeline for child

What you need to know about RUTF, severe wasting and UNICEF’s work to help all children survive and thrive.

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5 ways to support your mental health online

Tips on how to look after yourself and others

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Your questions on the CRC answered

How many countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child? How does the Convention define "child"?

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What is female genital mutilation?

Everything you need to know about FGM and what UNICEF is doing to stop it.

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Latest explainers

04 May 2026

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a lifeline for child

What you need to know about RUTF, severe wasting and UNICEF’s work to help all children survive and thrive.
Read now
11 March 2026

Protecting children on the move

What you need to know about the numbers, causes and rights of children affected by migration and displacement.
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17 February 2026

What you need to know about stillbirths

Answers to common questions about this tragic loss of life
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11 November 2025

Pneumonia in children: What you need to know

Pneumonia kills more children than any other infectious disease
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19 September 2025

Why vaccines matter for children

10 facts about vaccines, child survival and global progress.
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24 July 2025

Why breastfeeding is critical for babies

Breastmilk provides all the nutrition that a newborn needs. UNICEF explains why breastfeeding, not formula, provides the best start to life
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11 April 2025

Measles outbreaks are putting children at risk

What you need to know about measles, measles outbreaks, and the impact on children.
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02 October 2024

Child poverty

What you need to know about child poverty and UNICEF's work to tackle it
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17 August 2024

Protecting children with disabilities during armed conflict

What we all need to know, and how you can take action with us.
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27 June 2024

What is child labour?

Millions of children are subjected to child labour worldwide, with some forced into hazardous work through trafficking.
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08 April 2024

5 things you should know about HPV and cervical cancer

HPV vaccines play a central role on the path to eliminating cervical cancer, but millions of girls still lack access.
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15 March 2024

Water and the climate crisis: 10 things you should know

The world needs to get water smart. Everyone has a role to play, and we cannot afford to wait
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