How to help children in the Middle East
Prolonged conflicts. Extreme poverty. Climate change. COVID-19. Devastating earthquakes.
These and other crises have displaced millions and intensified humanitarian needs for children and families all across the Middle East region.
Together with partners, UNICEF works to meet urgent needs while also advancing longer-term solutions that strengthen health and other systems and build community resilience to future crises.
UNICEF's priorities include delivering emergency relief quickly, when natural disaster strikes; reaching children caught in conflict with lifesaving aid; improving access to quality health care for children and pregnant women; reaching every child with essential vaccinations; improving child nutrition; strengthening child protection from violence and abuse and ensuring access to quality education.
Support UNICEF's work to ensure that every child is healthy, educated, respected and protected. Donate today.
Explore UNICEF's work in the Middle East
UNICEF programming in the Middle East region reaches vulnerable children and families in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Here's a closer look at what UNICEF and partners are doing in two of the highest-need countries in this region:
UNICEF in Syria
The combined impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a national economic crisis and prolonged conflict in Syria has exposed girls and boys inside the country to child marriage, child labor, abuse and exploitation as well as increased levels of violence.
When a major earthquake hit northwest Syria and southeast Turkey in February 2023, UNICEF rushed emergency supplies to impacted children and families and continues working with partners on the ground to assist humanitarian response and recovery efforts.
UNICEF's action plan in the country for 2023 lays out plans to reach 9 million people through ongoing programs in health and immunization, nutrition and education.
Learn more about UNICEF's work for children in Syria and how to help.
A child staying in the Areesheh camp for displaced families in Hasakeh, northeast Syria, carries a box of hygiene supplies received from UNICEF on May 15, 2022. © UNICEF/UN0660380/
UNICEF in Yemen
There are over 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance in Yemen due to years of conflict and economic shocks and food insecurity. UNICEF priorities in the country include screening and treating children for malnutrition; immunizing children against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases and helping to contain outbreaks; and providing psychosocial support to children and families. Emergency health and nutrition programs, along with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and child protection interventions remain significantly underfunded.
Learn more about the crisis in Yemen and how to help.
Health worker Hana’a holds 8-month old Jouri at a UNICEF-supported health facility in Hudaydah, Yemen, where Jouri and other children suffering from severe acute malnutrition are receiving lifesaving treatment. © UNICEF/UN0705158/Al-Haj
Learn more ways to help children in the Middle East
UNICEF relies on voluntary contributions from donor governments, civil society groups, businesses and others — including individuals — to sustain critical programs and to maximize impact for children in need.
Your tax-deductible contribution can make a real difference. Every dollar counts.