Waking up to warfare: Ali’s story
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Ali (11) is one of 13.5 million children currently caught in the crossfires of war in Sudan. While asleep in his room in Khartoum, he was startled awake by the loud sounds of shooting and war planes overhead. Gripped by fear, Ali scrambled under his bed where he waited for hours alongside his sister and parents until the fighting stopped. When the dust settled momentarily, they fled for their lives – leaving everything behind except for some key documents and what they could carry on their backs.
“I left my school, my home, and my friends. I left a lot of things behind.” – Ali (11), Khartoum
Today, there are more children in need of humanitarian assistance than at any other time since the Second World War. In Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan, more than 36 million children have been ripped from their homes and schools while nearly half the world’s children live in countries extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Children affected by emergencies urgently need medical care, safe drinking water, essential supplies, and life-saving food to survive.
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Be there for children when they need you most
While the situation is urgent, it is far from hopeless. We know how to reach children with the greatest needs – wherever they are, no matter the risks. And we will do whatever it takes to deliver appropriate and timely humanitarian action that saves children’s lives and helps them recover long after the crisis is over.
Our readiness and ability to respond quickly is only possible because of people like you who give generously each and every month. One-off gifts are critical, but when you give monthly, you help us respond to children’s needs faster and support them by:
- Helping supply and restore safe drinking water
- Provide critical items like blankets and personal hygiene items
- Screening and treatment for severe malnutrition
- Provide safe spaces and learning supplies to learn and thrive
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UNICEF impact
Nearly US$864 million worth of emergency supplies
procured and delivered to 140 countries in 2022.
Over 23 million people
reached with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in humanitarian situations in 2022.
Over 27 million children
vaccinated against measles in countries affected by humanitarian crises in 2022.
Your donations help save children across the globe
Meet Hibo Ali from Somalia.
A devastating drought forced his whole family to flee to a refugee camp. UNICEF continues to provide life-saving assistance, safe water, nutrition, and health services in the region.
Meet the children of Yemen.
UNICEF is helping 2.5 million children get vaccinated against polio, an incurable life-threatening disease.
Meet eight-year-old Ameer from Pakistan.
UNICEF set up a temporary learning centre in her area so she, and children like her who were impacted by the flood, can continue their education.
Meet baby Hutifa from Yemen.
UNICEF supports around 1955 health facilities to provide primary health care services to children and mothers as they flee war-torn countries.
Meet Olya and her four children from Ukraine.
So far, UNICEF’s Cash assistance programme has helped more than 690,000 people find their feet in the middle of the full-scale war.
Meet Naya from Syria.
Now living in a shelter, Naya and her family fled their home due to the earthquake. UNICEF and partners continue to provide life-saving assistance, safe water, nutrition, and psychosocial support to children and families affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund, working to protect and promote the rights of every child, everywhere. We work to help the most vulnerable with health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more.
Thanks to support from donors like you, we have been able to make a difference for children in need, to save, nurture, and protect the most vulnerable. We are active in over 190 countries and territories and have helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization.
You can securely make a one-time or/and monthly donation online on our website on the Donate Now button.
Your contribution may be of any amount with no limitations. No donation is too small, and any donation can help save children's lives.
You choose for how long you wish to donate: monthly or only once, and you can easily amend the frequency and amount of your donation or cancel your online giving. In order to contribute to a fundamental change in the lives of vulnerable children, the longer you choose to get involved, the more powerful your donation will be. A child’s life can improve with your long-term, constant support. By donating, you become an active part of the solution and of the change process.
The money raised is used where it is needed for children around the world. For example, to provide learning supplies for children in Yemen or Sudan, offer a rapid and effective response to children affected by the earthquake in Syria or war in Ukraine.
Thanks to the sustained commitment of our donors like you, we are able to offer a rapid and effective response to children around the world.
UNICEF asks for monthly contributions to help us provide sustainable long-term solutions to help children in around the world.
A monthly gift is a recurring gift amount that you choose to send each month, and it is even more impactful because you're helping children every single day.
Your monthly gift will also enable us to plan effectively in our upcoming work, reduce costs and most importantly, reach even more children in need. We couldn't continue our efforts without the support and generosity of monthly donors, and we hope you'll consider joining the UNICEF family.
We will be sending you regular updates in the form of e-mails, digital communication, etc., of the progress that has been made and keep you updated about UNICEF’s work, in the region, and around the world.
UNICEF will send you a payment confirmation receipt through email immediately after the successful payment. If you do not get it, then please email at < infosupport@unicef.org >.
Don't hesitate to contact our Donor Helpdesk Team at < infosupport@unicef.org >; we will be happy to assist you.
Donating online through the website is just as safe as any other online payment. UNICEF does not have access to your bank card details as that information is secured and protected by the payment processor. UNICEF does not have access to your banking information or card details, but only to the contact details you provide in the donation form. We are currently working on introducing easier payment methods through banking apps available in the country.
The current scope of operations in the region does not include UNICEF receiving material supplies from donors. UNICEF supplies materials like education materials, vaccines, and other life-saving supplies, which are as per the exact specifications required at the ground level and based on consultation with the government and partners.