Japan contributes US$9.2 million to UNICEF to continue life-saving support for children and families in Ukraine

KYIV, 19 February 2026—The Government of Japan has allocated US$ 9.2 million to UNICEF’s ongoing emergency response in Ukraine, helping ensure vital support for children and families most affected by the war.  

With this funding, UNICEF will provide essential health, education, child protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene services for nearly 890,000 people in Ukraine, including 392,000 children.  

“Children and families continue to face acute challenges and risks to their safety and well-being as the war enters its fifth year,” said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine. “We are grateful for Japan’s continued support at this critical time as humanitarian needs deepen amid ongoing attacks and an increasingly unpredictable situation,” added Mammadzade. 

Since 2022, the Government of Japan has contributed US$ 57.1 million to UNICEF’s humanitarian response in Ukraine. This has enabled UNICEF, alongside its local partners, to improve access to quality healthcare, safe water and sanitation, learning, and protection services for more than 4.5 million people including 1.7 million children. 

This has included life-saving information for children and young people to protect themselves from the dangers of mines and explosives, as well as rapid assistance in the aftermath of the 2023 Kakhovka dam destruction. 

“Four years into the war, children and families in Ukraine continue to endure its cumulative and devastating effects,” said Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine. “The needs remain urgent, and the impact on children’s well-being is profound. For the Government of Japan, support for children remains a clear priority. We are committed to working with our partners to provide timely relief to families and to help ensure that children can grow up in safety and dignity,” added Nakagome. 

Sustained funding is critical to ensure life-saving support to children and families most affected by the war, as well as enabling longer-term recovery that prioritizes children and young people’s needs.