Press release
‘Not the new normal’ – 2024 ‘one of the worst years in UNICEF’s history’ for children in conflict
NEW YORK, 28 December 2024 –, The impact of armed conflicts on children around the world reached devastating and likely record levels in 2024, according to a review by UNICEF of the latest available data and prevailing global trends. More children than ever are estimated to be either living in conflict zones or fo...
Statement
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on deadly strikes in Ukraine
NEW YORK, 8 July 2024 –, “I am horrified by the news out of Ukraine today that at least 150 people have reportedly been killed or injured, and a children’s hospital severely damaged in Kyiv, during a wave of deadly missile strikes across the country. “The barrage of missiles fell in cities including Kyiv, Dnipro,...
Press release
Almost 7 million children in Ukraine at risk as attacks on energy infrastructure cause widespread blackouts and disruption of heating
NEW YORK/KYIV, 14 December 2022 –, Continuing attacks on critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine have left almost every child in Ukraine - nearly seven million children – without sustained access to electricity, heating and water, putting them at increased risk as temperatures continue to drop and winter deepens...
Press release
Start of an uncertain school year for four million schoolchildren in Ukraine
KYIV/NEW YORK, 1 September 2022 , – The ongoing war in Ukraine has marred the start of a new school year for Ukraine’s four million schoolchildren, stated UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell as she concluded a three-day visit across the country. “The new school year should be a time of excitement and prom...
Remarks
Every day that the war in Ukraine continues is a nightmare for millions of children.
NEW YORK, 5 May 2022 - ", Every day that the war in Ukraine continues is a nightmare for millions of children. "Nearly two-thirds of Ukraine’s children have been forced to flee. Many have seen things no child should ever see. "Their homes have been hit. Their schools have been attacked, along with all the system...
Statement
Stop attacks on health care in Ukraine
NEW YORK/GENEVA, –, “Today, we call for an immediate cessation of all attacks on health care in Ukraine. These horrific attacks are killing and causing serious injuries to patients and health workers, destroying vital health infrastructure and forcing thousands to forgo accessing health services despite catastroph...
Statement
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell calling for a suspension of hostilities to carry out urgent humanitarian action
NEW YORK, 28 February 2022 –, “The situation for children caught up in the conflict in Ukraine grows worse by the minute. “We are receiving reports of hospitals, schools, water and sanitation facilities and orphanages under fire. Explosive weapons in populated areas and explosive remnants of war are real and prese...