the UN agency for the welfare of children has warned that some 110 million children in North Africa and the Middle East live in countries affected by war, with homes, schools and health facilities damaged or destroyed in fighting.
“A child’s life is being turned upside down the equivalent of every five seconds due to the conflicts in the region,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa earlier this week.
UNICEF estimates indicate that 45 million children across the region will require humanitarian assistance in 2025, a 41 per cent increase since 2020.
Funding shortfalls
However, funding gaps are affecting vital programmes across the region.
For instance, as of May, Syria faced a 78 per cent funding gap and Palestine a 68 percent gap for their 2025 appeals. UNICEF’s regional programmes are also under increasing financial strain.
The outlook for 2026 also remains bleak, UNICEF said, noting that its funding for Middle East and North Africa is projected to decline by 20 to 25 per cent, potentially resulting in shortfalls of up to $370 million.
Conflicts must stop
This would jeopardise lifesaving programmes across the region, including treatment for severe malnutrition, safe water production in conflict zones and vaccinations against deadly diseases, Beigbeder said.
“As the plight of children in the region worsens, the resources to respond are becoming sparser,” he added.
“Conflicts must stop. International advocacy to resolve these crises must intensify. And support for vulnerable children must increase, not decline.”
WN/as.APA