Tagged: children in emergencies

A boy in a mask writing his lessons.

Lessons from Ebola: how to reach the poorest children when schools reopen

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When I joined the UNICEF Sierra Leone office as the chief of education in 2014, the country was at the peak of its Ebola epidemic. I walked straight into a crisis that had put over 1.8 million school-going children and adolescents out of school. The effects of Ebola are terrifying. But like many public health crises, their impact on… Read more →←
A long view of devastation in the street of Port-au-prince, Haiti, after the earthquake

Haiti, ten years later: A driver’s story

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The earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010 left more than 220,000 dead, 300,000 injured and 1.5 million homeless. Countless families were broken up and 750,000 children were directly affected. UNICEF staffers were there as well, suffering through the situation. Below is the story of Gabrielle Lafortune, a driver at UNICEF Haiti. During… Read more →←
A long view of debris and houses on an island.

Witnessing the impact of Hurricane Dorian on children in the Bahamas

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Story also available in: العربية Español Français
Amidst the ear-piercing noise of the helicopter, I could hear 11-year-old Jahmaurae Moreau say that to fly in a helicopter was “pretty cool”. He was smiling but, minutes later, as we were leaving the island behind, a few tears rolled slowly down his cheeks His mother Marianise and his 4-year-old sister Katheleh sat in front of us.… Read more →←
An almost completely destroyed school building with palm trees in the background.

My first steps in humanitarian emergencies

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Story also available in: Français
It has been more than 11 years since I started working for children’s right to education in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Even though the challenges in this part of the country are immense, nothing could disrupt my work. However, in December 2017, the Kasai region plunged into a terrible, deadly crisis of great… Read more →←
A young girl stands in a room that is now largely rubble.

Protecting children in conflict – a moral imperative

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It has been a rewarding, challenging year. On January 1, 2018, when I became the head of UNICEF, I felt privileged to begin leading an organization with a noble mission: protecting the rights of every child. I thought then – and am even more convinced now – that there is no more important cause than children and young people. But… Read more →←
A young lady peers through from behind a curtain she has held open.

16 actions for girls’ and women’s safety in emergencies

Children in emergencies

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A lock. A light. A secure shelter. All three can prevent violence against girls and women in emergencies, and provide a sense of security in a time of increased vulnerability and stress. Violence against women and girls does not discriminate by race, religion, culture, class or country. Worldwide, one in three women have experienced… Read more →←
A health worker in a context of rubble and a blue sky in the distance.

After the disaster in Sulawesi

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My name is Ridwan Gustiana, but do call me Doc Jack. I’m a Health Specialist with UNICEF Pacific, on mission in Sulawesi. I’m the team leader for UNICEF’s response in Central Sulawesi and I am also the Emergency Health Specialist supporting health initiatives. In the wake of this disaster, and thanks to the efforts of the… Read more →←
A young boy sitting inside a circular playground swing

Gaza: Learning in the shadow of conflict

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Story also available in: العربية Français 中文
“I feel good about finishing my exams, a feeling of success that a difficult time has passed,” Mohammad tells me in the schoolyard. The 18-year old from Gaza City just walked out of his final Tawjihi exam and with it, the end of his school years. Mohammad’s results will help determine his future but just reaching this point is a… Read more →←
Hand drawing image of the street view in a cityscape with damaged buildings and a minaret, with a hand-drawn message on the top right in Arabic that reads: "My country, be patient."

The Duma Drawings

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Story also available in: Français
Bebo’s life was cut short by war, but her voice will continue to be heard In the dark month of January 2018, intensifying fighting in Syria reportedly killed 59 children. In early February, dozens of children have reportedly been killed and many more injured by extreme and intensifying violence in several parts of Syria – and the… Read more →←
A women and some children carry boxes as a UNICEF volunteer looks on.

A lifetime away from reality: Bittersweet Christmas

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Story also available in: العربية
The holiday season is a mixed bag of thoughts, emotions, and reflections especially when working abroad. 2017 has been a difficult year in Iraq. Hundreds of thousands of people fleeing violent conflict defined much of the first half of the year. Political instability and fallout unbalanced the second half. As an international… Read more →←

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