World Peace

DECEMBER 11, 2025 AI RESEARCH

In 2025, how many children have been casualties of a war or conflict in the world?

GoogleAI Mode: “As of late 2025, there is no final global total for the number of children who have been casualties of war or conflict during 2025. However, reports from the United Nations (UN) and humanitarian organizations indicate that the numbers are likely to be record-breaking, continuing an alarming trend. 

Reports published in 2025 provide the following verified figures and trends, which primarily use data from 2024: 

Verified Global Casualties (Killed/Maimed) in 2024: The UN Secretary-General’s June 2025 report verified 11,967 children were victims of killing and maiming in conflicts worldwide in 2024, the highest number recorded since monitoring began. This figure represented a 42% increase from 2020 data.

Total Grave Violations in 2024: The total number of verified grave violations against children (which includes killing and maiming, recruitment, sexual violence, and denial of humanitarian access) reached an unprecedented 41,370 incidents in 2024, a 25% increase over 2023.

Gaza Conflict: A July 2025 report indicated that over the prior 21 months of war in Gaza, more than 17,000 children had reportedly been killed and 33,000 injured, a number higher than the total global child deaths from conflict in the four years between 2019 and 2022.

Ukraine Conflict: Between March and May 2025, the number of verified child casualties (killed or injured) in Ukraine increased by more than 200% compared to the previous quarter, with 222 children affected in that three-month period alone.

Main Cause of Casualties: Explosive weapons, such as bombs and drones used in urban areas, were responsible for a record 70% of child casualties in 2024.

Overall Trend: Humanitarian organizations like Save the Children report that conflicts are becoming deadlier and more brutal for children, with an increasing proportion of the world’s children living in active conflict zones. 

The final verified numbers for 2025 will be detailed in reports published in 2026.”

No matter what, are children fair game in a war or conflict?

GoogleAI Mode: “Children are unequivocally not “fair game” in war or conflict, no matter the circumstances. Their protection is a fundamental principle of international law. 

The targeting or harming of children is strictly prohibited under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the laws of war. Key treaties, notably the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, mandate special protections for children as civilians who are particularly vulnerable during armed conflicts. 

Specific provisions in international law state that:

Children are Civilians: Civilians must never be the target of attacks. All parties to a conflict are legally required to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

Special Protection: Parties to a conflict must take all feasible precautions to ensure children are protected from the effects of hostilities.

Prohibition of Grave Violations: Specific actions against children are defined as “grave violations” of international law, which can constitute war crimes. These include killing and maiming, recruitment or use as soldiers, sexual violence, abduction, and attacks on schools and hospitals.

Humanitarian Access: Children in conflict zones have a right to access humanitarian aid, and blocking this access is a violation of international law. 

Organizations like the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) actively monitor and report on violations of these laws, advocate for accountability, and provide aid to child victims of war.”

What are some grave violations of children’s rights during war?

GoogleAI Mode: “The United Nations (UN) Security Council has identified six grave violations of children’s rights that are systematically monitored and reported during times of war and armed conflict. These acts are recognized as war crimes under international humanitarian law and have devastating, life-long impacts on children. 

The six grave violations are:

Killing and maiming of children: This includes any action resulting in death or serious, permanent, or disabling injury to children. It can occur through direct targeting, crossfire, landmines, or indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

Recruitment or use of children as soldiers: This involves the forced, compulsory, or voluntary enlistment of children by armed forces or armed groups. Children are used in various capacities, including as fighters, cooks, porters, messengers, spies, or for sexual exploitation.

Rape and other grave sexual violence: This includes acts of rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage or pregnancy, enforced sterilization, and other forms of sexual exploitation and abuse against children, often used as a tactic of war.

Abduction of children: Children are captured, seized, or removed against their will, temporarily or permanently, often for purposes of exploitation, forced recruitment, sexual abuse, or as an act of retaliation against communities.

Attacks against schools or hospitals: This involves the targeting, destruction, or military use of facilities that should be protected spaces during conflict. These attacks endanger lives and disrupt vital access to education and medical assistance.

Denial of humanitarian access for children: This is the intentional obstruction or impediment of essential, life-saving humanitarian assistance, such as food, water, and medical supplies, for children and other civilians in need. 

Monitoring and reporting on these violations are crucial steps in holding perpetrators accountable and advocating for enhanced protection measures for children affected by war.”

Where are the children experiencing these violations in 2025?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, children are experiencing grave violations of their rights across numerous active conflict zones globally. The highest levels of verified violations (based on data from 2024 and ongoing 2025 reports) are concentrated in specific countries and territories. 

The situations with the highest overall number of children affected by grave violations are:

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (especially the Gaza Strip): This region consistently recorded the highest number of grave violations in UN reports, accounting for over 8,500 verified incidents in 2024 alone. Reports in 2025 indicated thousands of child deaths and injuries had occurred during the conflict.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The DRC is a major hotspot, particularly for sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children by various armed groups and government forces. Nearly 10,000 cases of sexual violence were reported by child protection partners in the first two months of 2025 alone, with over 40% affecting children.

Somalia: The country is affected by high rates of grave violations, including abductions and killings and maiming, committed by both state and non-state actors.

Nigeria: Children in Nigeria face high risks of abduction, particularly in the northern regions, and killing and maiming often due to explosive remnants of war.

Haiti: The escalating gang violence in Haiti has led to a dramatic increase in grave violations, including killing and maiming, gang rape, and attacks on schools and hospitals, with hundreds of cases recorded in areas controlled by armed groups. 

Other countries experiencing significant grave violations include:

Sudan: The ongoing conflict has seen a massive surge in violations across more than half the country’s states, including killing, maiming, abduction, and denial of humanitarian access.

Myanmar: Children are primarily affected by recruitment into armed forces, killing and maiming, and abductions.

Syria and Ukraine: Children in these conflict zones continue to be killed and injured in unprecedented numbers, often due to the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. 

These situations are highlighted in the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on Children and Armed Conflict, published in June 2025, which covers verified data from the preceding year and ongoing trends into 2025.”

What did the children going through the Somali Civil War in the 1990s experience?

GoogleAI Mode: “Children during the Somali Civil War in the 1990s experienced a continuous cycle of trauma, marked by extreme violence, forced displacement, severe famine, and the complete collapse of basic social structures. They faced the six grave violations of children’s rights during war on a daily basis. 

Specific experiences included:

Famine and Starvation: The civil war, combined with severe drought, led to a devastating famine in 1991-1992, in which an estimated 300,000 to 350,000 people died, many of whom were children. Children were often orphaned and left to scavenge for food scraps in garbage heaps.

Forced Recruitment: Children as young as nine were recruited, often by force or abduction, to serve as soldiers in various armed groups and clan militias. They were used as fighters, porters, messengers, and for sexual exploitation, and many witnessed or were forced to participate in extreme violence.

Violence and Abuse: Children were constant victims of killing, maiming, rape, and other forms of sexual violence. They often witnessed the murder and torture of family members and friends and were subject to beatings and other physical mistreatment.

Displacement and Orphanhood: The war destroyed villages and families, leaving thousands of children orphaned or internally displaced (IDPs). They were forced to live in abandoned buildings or refugee camps, which often lacked adequate food, water, sanitation, and medical supplies.

Lack of Education and Healthcare: Schools and health facilities were destroyed or closed, meaning children had no access to education or medical care.

Psychological Trauma: The exposure to continuous violence, death, and insecurity resulted in profound psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, and social withdrawal, leaving a “lost generation” with deep, lasting scars. 

In essence, children experienced a complete absence of safety, security, and basic human rights, forcing them into a daily struggle for survival.”

Why is this day important for children as far as the history of the United Nations?

GoogleAI Mode: “Today, December 11, is important in the history of the United Nations because it marks the founding of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 

On December 11, 1946, the UN General Assembly established the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) by resolution 57(I). The primary goal was to provide emergency food and healthcare assistance to children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II, irrespective of the country’s role in the conflict. 

Key milestones connected to this date include:

Initial Mandate: UNICEF was created as a temporary emergency relief fund to address the immediate crisis following the war.

Permanent Status: In 1953, the UN General Assembly extended UNICEF’s mandate indefinitely and it became a permanent part of the UN system. Its name was shortened to the United Nations Children’s Fund, while retaining the original acronym.

Global Reach: From focusing solely on post-war Europe and China, UNICEF expanded its operations to address the long-term needs and rights of children in developing countries worldwide.

Recognition: The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 for promoting “brotherhood among nations” and serving as a major factor for peace. 

Since its founding on this day, UNICEF has grown to become the leading international agency advocating for the rights and well-being of children in over 190 countries and territories, working on issues such as health, education, nutrition, and protection during emergencies and conflicts.”

In 2025, what are the implications of children experiencing grave violations in the world?

GoogleAI Mode: “Experiencing grave violations in 2025 has profound and devastating short and long-term implications for children, affecting their physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being, and impacting the stability and future development of entire communities. 

The implications extend across several areas:

Individual Implications

Physical and Lifelong Disabilities: Killing and maiming, often caused by explosive weapons, result in life-altering physical injuries, including amputations, severe burns, and complex internal trauma. Survivors face lifelong disabilities that require extensive medical care and support.

Severe Psychological Trauma: Exposure to continuous violence, death, and destruction fundamentally changes a child’s developing brain. This leads to high rates of mental health issues, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems (such as aggression or withdrawal).

Cognitive and Developmental Impairments: Chronic stress and trauma during critical developmental periods can impair memory, attention, language acquisition, and problem-solving skills, negatively impacting a child’s ability to learn and thrive.

Health and Nutrition Crises: The destruction of health facilities and the denial of humanitarian access lead to acute malnutrition, disease outbreaks (like polio and cholera), and a lack of access to basic medical care, resulting in higher rates of infant mortality and long-term health problems. 

Societal and Long-Term Implications

Disruption of Education: Attacks on schools and the use of educational facilities for military purposes deprive millions of children of education. This loss of learning opportunities significantly reduces children’s future prospects and hinders the development of skilled workforces needed for post-conflict recovery.

Perpetuation of Violence and Instability: Children who are forced into armed groups or exposed to extreme brutality may internalize violence as a normal part of life. If left unaddressed, this can lead to intergenerational cycles of violence and insecurity, undermining efforts to build sustainable peace.

Social Stigma and Rejection: Survivors, particularly victims of sexual violence or those associated with armed groups, often face stigma and rejection from their own communities, hindering their reintegration and recovery.

Economic Consequences: The long-term physical and psychological impacts, combined with a lack of education, result in reduced economic productivity. Communities face challenges rebuilding when a generation of children is physically harmed, traumatized, or lacking essential skills.

Erosion of International Law: The record-high levels of violations, as documented in 2025 UN reports, signal a systemic failure to protect children under international law. This widespread impunity undermines the global human rights framework and the credibility of international protection mechanisms.”

What are the leading causes of child casualties in conflicts worldwide?

GoogleAI Mode: “The leading cause of child casualties (deaths and injuries) in conflicts worldwide is the use of explosive weapons. As wars increasingly move into densely populated urban areas, bombs and other munitions are killing and maiming children on an unprecedented scale. 

According to reports published in 2025, which analyze data primarily from 2024:

Explosive Weapons: These accounted for a record 70% of nearly 12,000 children killed or injured in conflict zones last year. This category includes aerial operations (such as airstrikes and drones), artillery, shelling, landmines, cluster munitions, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Contamination by Explosive Ordnance: The presence of unexploded and abandoned ordnance poses an ongoing threat long after active fighting ends. This contamination accounts for a significant number of child casualties, as children’s natural curiosity can lead them to mistake these devices for toys.

Indirect Causes: Previously, children in war zones were more likely to die from indirect causes like malnutrition, disease, or the collapse of healthcare and water systems. While these remain critical issues and are exacerbated by conflict, direct violence from explosive weapons has become the primary driver of death and injury statistics. 

The shift towards urban warfare has placed children at heightened risk, turning places that should be safe, like homes, schools, and hospitals, into death traps.”

On a scale from 1 out 5, how likely is a child to confuse a weapon for a toy?

GoogleAI Mode: “It is highly likely that a child would confuse a weapon for a toy, rating this likelihood as a 5 out of 5 on a scale of 1 to 5.

This is a well-documented risk, particularly in conflict and post-conflict zones contaminated with abandoned ordnance. Children are naturally curious and lack the cognitive development and experience to distinguish between a harmless toy and a lethal explosive or firearm.

Here are the key reasons why this likelihood is so high:

Curiosity and Play: Children explore their environment through play. A small, colorful, or unusually shaped piece of unexploded ordnance (like a cluster munition or a hand grenade) can easily resemble a common object or toy.

Lack of Awareness: Children do not understand the concept of danger or lethality in the same way adults do. Without specific education and warnings, they have no reason to avoid these objects.

Prevalence in Conflict Zones: The leading cause of child casualties is explosive weapons. Reports published in 2025 highlight how often children are maimed or killed by playing with explosive remnants of war (ERW), which they perceive as harmless objects.

Media Influence: In many parts of the world, children see weapons glorified in movies, TV shows, and video games as “toys” or tools for entertainment, further blurring the line between play and real-world danger.

Organizations like the UN and the Red Cross run extensive Mine Risk Education (MRE) programs in affected areas precisely because this confusion is so probable and deadly.”

What are UNICEF’s main areas of work today?
What challenges has UNICEF faced in its mission?
Tell me more about the Nobel Peace Prize for UNICEF.

GoogleAI Mode: “UNICEF’s work today continues to evolve with global challenges, while its mission remains rooted in the principles that earned it the Nobel Peace Prize.

Here is an overview of UNICEF’s main areas of work, the challenges it faces, and details regarding its Nobel Peace Prize recognition.

UNICEF’s Main Areas of Work Today

In 2025, UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child, focusing on seven core program areas:

Health: Providing immunizations, maternal and newborn care, and treating childhood illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhea. A major 2025 priority involves ensuring equitable access to vaccines and rebuilding resilient health systems in conflict zones.

Nutrition: Addressing all forms of malnutrition—from emergency feeding programs for acutely malnourished children (such as in Sudan and the DRC in 2025) to long-term initiatives promoting healthy diets and micronutrient supplementation.

Education: Working to ensure all children, especially girls and those in conflict zones, have access to quality learning opportunities. This includes innovative approaches like digital learning platforms and rebuilding schools damaged by war.

Child Protection: Addressing the grave violations of children’s rights during war (as previously discussed), preventing child marriage and forced labor, and providing psychosocial support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or violence.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Providing safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and promoting hygiene practices to prevent waterborne diseases, which are a leading cause of child deaths, particularly in displacement camps and disaster zones.

Humanitarian Action and Climate Change: Responding to emergencies, conflicts, and natural disasters intensified by climate change. In 2025, UNICEF is heavily involved in rapid response efforts in flood-affected regions and areas of active conflict like Gaza, Ukraine, and Haiti.

Social Policy and Inclusion: Working with governments to establish social safety nets, strengthen child-focused policies, and ensure that the most vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, are included and prioritized in national budgets.

Challenges Faced by UNICEF in its Mission

UNICEF’s mission is constantly challenged by complex global dynamics and systemic issues:

Access in Conflict Zones: Gaining safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to children in active war zones remains a persistent and deadly challenge. In 2025, blockages by warring parties in places like Sudan and Gaza hindered critical aid delivery, sometimes leading to famine conditions.

Funding Shortfalls: The sheer scale of global need often outpaces available funding. UNICEF continually struggles to raise enough resources to meet all humanitarian appeals and long-term development goals.

Political Interference and Insecurity: Operating in politically unstable environments means navigating complex local and national politics. UNICEF staff often face threats, kidnappings, and attacks, compromising their safety and operations.

Climate Change Impacts: The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters (floods, droughts) strain resources and displace populations, creating new humanitarian crises faster than organizations can effectively respond.

Data Gaps: The difficulty in collecting accurate, verifiable data on child welfare in volatile areas makes it challenging to pinpoint exact needs and measure impact effectively. The verified numbers of child casualties mentioned previously are often only a fraction of the actual figures.”

The Nobel Peace Prize for UNICEF

UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965.

The award recognized UNICEF’s crucial role in promoting brotherhood among nations and making the world a more peaceful place through practical solidarity between peoples, transcending political and racial divides.

Key points regarding the award:

Reasoning: The Norwegian Nobel Committee specifically cited UNICEF’s work in providing post-World War II emergency relief regardless of nationality or political affiliation, embodying the core principles of international cooperation and peace.

Impact: The prize brought immense global recognition to UNICEF’s work and helped solidify its status as a permanent entity within the UN system, shifting its focus from temporary emergency relief in Europe to long-term aid for children in the developing world.

Legacy: The award reinforced the principle that protecting vulnerable children is a pathway to peace and stability. The Director of UNICEF at the time, Henry Labouisse, accepted the prize and emphasized that the ultimate goal of UNICEF’s aid was “peace on earth.”

What are UNICEF’s main areas of work today?

GoogleAI Mode: “Today, December 11, which marks the founding day of UNICEF in 1946, the organization continues its vital work across the globe. UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, focusing on seven core program areas to protect the rights and well-being of every child: 

Health: Providing essential healthcare services, including immunizations, maternal and newborn care, and treatment for common childhood illnesses.

Nutrition: Addressing malnutrition through emergency feeding programs for acutely malnourished children and long-term initiatives promoting healthy diets.

Education: Ensuring all children have access to quality learning opportunities, even in conflict zones or after disasters.

Child Protection: Working to end grave violations of children’s rights during war, prevent child marriage and forced labor, and provide support for victims of violence and trauma.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Delivering safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and promoting hygiene practices to prevent disease outbreaks.

Humanitarian Action and Climate Change: Responding to emergencies, conflicts, and climate-related disasters with rapid aid and long-term adaptation strategies.

Social Policy and Inclusion: Collaborating with governments to ensure social safety nets are in place and that the most vulnerable children are prioritized in policy and funding decisions.”

What challenges has UNICEF faced in its mission?

GoogleAI Mode: “UNICEF’s mission to protect children’s rights worldwide is constantly challenged by complex global dynamics and systemic issues. As of 2025, these challenges include: 

Access in Conflict Zones: Gaining safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to children in active war zones remains a primary and often deadly challenge. Warring parties frequently block aid delivery, as seen in situations in Sudan and Gaza in 2025, which can lead to famine conditions.

Funding Shortfalls: The immense scale of global need often exceeds the available funding. UNICEF continually struggles to raise sufficient resources to meet all humanitarian appeals and long-term development goals.

Political Interference and Insecurity: Operating in unstable political environments means navigating complex local and national politics. UNICEF staff often face threats, kidnappings, and attacks, compromising their safety and operations.

Climate Change Impacts: The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters (floods, droughts) strain resources and displace populations, creating new humanitarian crises faster than organizations can effectively respond.

Data Gaps: The difficulty in collecting accurate, verifiable data on child welfare in volatile areas makes it challenging to pinpoint exact needs and measure the impact of interventions effectively. The verified casualty numbers for children in conflicts, for instance, are often only a fraction of the actual figures.”

Tell me more about the Nobel Peace Prize for UNICEF

GoogleAI Mode: “UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965. 

The award recognized UNICEF’s crucial role in promoting unity and peaceful cooperation among nations through practical acts of solidarity, transcending political and racial divides. 

Key aspects regarding the award:

Reasoning: The Norwegian Nobel Committee specifically cited UNICEF’s work in providing post-World War II emergency relief regardless of nationality or political affiliation. The committee noted that UNICEF exemplified international cooperation and helped build the foundation for global peace by caring for vulnerable children in devastated countries.

Impact: The prize brought immense global recognition to UNICEF’s mission. It helped solidify its status as a permanent, rather than temporary, entity within the UN system, allowing it to transition its focus from post-war Europe to long-term development aid for children in developing nations worldwide.

Legacy: The award reinforced the principle that prioritizing the well-being of children is a direct pathway to achieving global stability and lasting peace. When accepting the prize, UNICEF’s Director, Henry Labouisse, emphasized that the ultimate, underlying goal of UNICEF’s aid was “peace on earth.””

Since today is the 79th birthday of UNICEF, how should the world celebrate?

GoogleAI Mode: “Since today, December 11, marks the 79th birthday of UNICEF, the world can celebrate by highlighting its vital mission, raising awareness of ongoing challenges children face, and supporting its future efforts:

1. Amplify UNICEF’s Mission and Achievements

Share Stories of Impact: Use social media to share stories of children whose lives have been improved by UNICEF’s work over the past 79 years.

Acknowledge the Nobel Legacy: Reflect on the 1965 Nobel Peace Prize recognition and the importance of cross-border solidarity for children as a pathway to global peace.

Host Educational Events: Schools and community groups could host events teaching children about their rights and the role UNICEF plays in protecting them, using resources from the official UNICEF website.

2. Take Action and Donate

The most practical way to celebrate the organization’s existence is to help it continue its mission.

Donate: Directly support UNICEF’s humanitarian work. You can donate via the UNICEF USA website or your local country office.

Volunteer: Look for opportunities to volunteer with local UNICEF chapters or national committees to help with fundraising and advocacy efforts.

Advocate for Children’s Rights: Contact local representatives or participate in campaigns that push for policies that protect children from the “grave violations” occurring in conflict zones today.

3. Focus on Future Challenges

A meaningful celebration involves acknowledging the challenges UNICEF faces in 2025 (like climate change impacts and access in conflict zones) and pledging to support future solutions.

Raise Awareness of Climate Crisis: Use the day to highlight how climate change affects children and advocate for climate action that is child-focused.

Advocate for Peace: Use the anniversary to call for an end to conflicts where children are the primary casualties, emphasizing that children are not “fair game” in war.”

How does climate change affect UNICEF’s work with children?

GoogleAI Mode: “Climate change acts as a “threat multiplier” that impacts nearly every aspect of a child’s health and well-being, complicating and intensifying all of UNICEF’s main areas of work. Nearly half of the world’s children (around 1 billion) live in countries at extremely high risk of climate impacts. 

Here is how climate change affects UNICEF’s work:

Exacerbates Health Crises 

Children are uniquely vulnerable to climate hazards because their bodies and immune systems are still developing. 

Disease Spread: Changing weather patterns (higher temperatures and altered rainfall) expand the range of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, increasing the burden on UNICEF’s health programs.

Air Pollution: Children breathe faster than adults and take in more pollutants, leading to higher rates of pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. UNICEF works to advocate for cleaner energy and monitor air quality in schools and communities.

Extreme Heat: Infants and young children are less able to regulate their body temperature, making them more prone to dehydration and heat stress. 

Drives Nutrition Crises 

Climate-related events disrupt food systems and access to safe water. 

Food Insecurity: Droughts, floods, and storms damage crops and livestock, leading to food price spikes and chronic malnutrition. UNICEF responds with emergency therapeutic food and social protection programs (like cash transfers) to help families afford nutritious food.

Water Contamination: Floods contaminate drinking water sources, spreading diarrheal diseases that hit malnourished children hardest. UNICEF must intensify its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) efforts to provide safe water and sanitation facilities. 

Disrupts Education and Protection 

Climate disasters interrupt learning and increase protection risks for children. 

School Disruptions: In 2024 alone, at least 242 million students in 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events.

Displacement and Violence: Extreme weather forces families to migrate, increasing the risk of children being separated from caregivers, which amplifies risks of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.

Mental Health: The stress and trauma of climate disasters and displacement contribute to increased mental health problems like PTSD and depression in children and adolescents. 

Response and Advocacy

Climate change makes UNICEF’s emergency response core mission more frequent and complex. UNICEF’s response involves: 

Building Resilience: “Climate-proofing” schools, health clinics, and water systems to withstand future shocks.

Innovative Financing: Using financial tools like the Today & Tomorrow Initiative that trigger insurance payouts for quick response after cyclones.

Advocacy: Calling on governments and businesses to cut emissions, increase climate adaptation funding, and include children’s rights and voices in national climate policies and negotiations.”

How does access affect UNICEF’s work with children?

GoogleAI Mode: “Access issues critically affect UNICEF’s work with children because humanitarian organizations cannot deliver life-saving aid to those in need if they cannot reach them safely and reliably.

This lack of access, which is categorized as one of the six “grave violations” of children’s rights during war, has devastating consequences:

Aid Blockages Cause Crises: When access is denied, critical supplies like food, clean water, and medicine cannot reach vulnerable populations. As seen in 2025 in places like Sudan and Gaza, access blockages often create conditions of famine and widespread disease outbreaks among children who rely on external aid for survival.

Safety of Staff and Volunteers: Insecure access routes put the lives of UNICEF staff and local partners at risk. The inability to guarantee staff safety often forces the suspension of aid operations, leaving children without essential support during the most intense phases of a crisis.

Inaccurate Data Collection: When UNICEF personnel cannot safely access certain conflict zones or remote areas, they cannot accurately monitor the situation on the ground. This creates “data gaps,” making it difficult to verify the full extent of child casualties, malnutrition rates, or disease outbreaks, which hinders effective planning and response.

Undermining Long-Term Programs: Constant disruption of access prevents UNICEF from implementing long-term development programs, such as regular vaccination campaigns or school rebuilding efforts. This means progress is often undone, and communities cannot recover and build resilience effectively.

UNICEF constantly negotiates with all parties to a conflict—whether government forces or armed groups—to secure humanitarian access corridors and uphold the neutrality of humanitarian aid, which is a key principle of international law. The ability to gain this safe access is a primary challenge in 2025.”

How many have died doing UNICEF work in 2025?

GoogleAI Mode: “It is difficult to provide an exact, final number of UNICEF staff members who have died while performing their work in 2025, as comprehensive, verified data is often released in annual reports the following year.

However, reports released in 2025 by the UN and other humanitarian organizations confirm that 2025 is on track to be the deadliest year ever recorded for aid workers, with hundreds having been killed globally by mid-year. 

Here is what is known:

Total Aid Worker Deaths (2025): As of mid-August 2025, at least 265 aid workers had been killed in the line of duty worldwide.

The Gaza Strip Hotspot: The vast majority of UN staff deaths in 2024 and 2025 have occurred in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Gaza). A June 2025 UN report stated that 168 UN personnel had lost their lives in 2024, with 126 of those personnel killed in Gaza, the highest number of UN staff killed in any single conflict in history.

UNRWA Staff: Most of the UN staff fatalities in Gaza have been personnel of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), a separate agency from UNICEF, but highlighting the extreme risk to all UN workers.

UNICEF Specifics: While exact 2025 numbers for only UNICEF staff are not publicly broken down in the global reports, UNICEF has issued statements mourning the loss of their own staff members in active conflict zones. For example, two Save the Children staff members were killed in Gaza in 2025. 

The high number of casualties among all humanitarian personnel highlights the extreme dangers faced by those working for all aid agencies, including UNICEF, in active conflict zones.”

What is known about the deaths of all humanitarian personnel in 2025?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, the number of deaths among all humanitarian personnel has reached unprecedented and alarming levels, making it the deadliest year on record for aid workers. 

Key facts known about these deaths include:

Total Fatalities: As of September 2025, at least 300 aid workers had been killed. Provisional data as of mid-August 2025 recorded 265 deaths, a 54% increase from the same period in 2024, putting the year on track to surpass the previous record.

Deadliest Locations: The vast majority of deaths have been driven by conflicts in specific hotspots:

Gaza Strip: The Occupied Palestinian Territory is the most dangerous place for aid workers. Israeli forces killed at least 173 humanitarian workers in Gaza in 2025 alone by mid-August. Since the start of the war, over 320 humanitarian personnel have been killed there, most of whom worked for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Sudan and South Sudan: These countries follow Gaza as major hotspots for aid worker fatalities. A joint WFP and UNICEF convoy attack in June 2025 resulted in five humanitarian workers being killed near Al Koma, North Darfur.

Other Hotspots: The Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Haiti, Iran, Mali, and Yemen have also experienced significant fatalities.

Most Victims are Local Staff: The overwhelming majority (around 95%) of aid workers killed are national or local staff working within their own communities, leaving behind families and dependents.

Impunity for Perpetrators: Despite international law explicitly prohibiting attacks on humanitarian personnel, a pervasive lack of accountability means perpetrators largely go unpunished.

Rising Overall Attacks: In addition to deaths, there has been a surge in other major security incidents, including woundings, kidnappings, detentions, and attacks on health-care facilities. 

The high death toll highlights a systemic failure to protect humanitarian personnel under international law, making the work of organizations like UNICEF increasingly perilous.”

If I was a child fleeing with my family from the Somali Civil War of the 1990s, would I have been helped by UNICEF? I was in a refugee camp in Kenya for some years.

GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, if you were a child fleeing with your family to a refugee camp in Kenya during the Somali Civil War in the 1990s, you would have almost certainly received critical aid and support from UNICEF and its partners.

UNICEF was heavily involved in the humanitarian response to the Somali crisis and the subsequent refugee situation in neighboring countries like Kenya.

Here is how UNICEF would have helped you:

In Refugee Camps (Kenya): UNICEF worked extensively in massive camps like Dadaab and Kakuma in Kenya. They collaborated with other UN agencies (like UNHCR) and non-governmental organizations to provide essential services:

Health and Nutrition: You would have received vital nutrition support, including emergency therapeutic food if you were severely malnourished, and access to basic health clinics for vaccinations and treatment of diseases like cholera or malaria.

Water and Sanitation (WASH): UNICEF was crucial in establishing water points, latrines, and hygiene promotion to prevent the spread of disease within the crowded camp environment.

Education: They helped set up temporary schools and learning spaces, providing educational supplies and basic schooling to help mitigate the disruption caused by the war.

Child Protection: Staff would have provided safe spaces for unaccompanied children, helping to trace families and offering psychosocial support to deal with the trauma of war and displacement.

Inside Somalia: Even within Somalia during the peak of the famine (1991-1992) and ongoing conflict, UNICEF operated “corridors of peace” to negotiate access for aid delivery, distributing food and medical supplies where possible.

UNICEF’s mission during the 1990s was precisely to provide non-discriminatory aid to vulnerable children in such humanitarian crises, irrespective of their origin or the conflict dynamics.”

For UNICEF ‘s 79th birthday, how many children have been helped as of today?

GoogleAI Mode: “It is impossible to provide a single, exact global figure for the total number of children UNICEF has helped over the entire 79 years since its founding on December 11, 1946.

UNICEF’s impact is massive and measured in billions of interventions over nearly eight decades. The scale of the work makes a running total unfeasible, but the organization reports its reach annually across its core focus areas:

Vaccinations: UNICEF is the world’s largest single procurer of vaccines. Annually, it helps vaccinate roughly 45% of the world’s children against various diseases, preventing millions of deaths each year.

Malnutrition Treatment: In 2024 alone, UNICEF provided treatment for severe acute malnutrition to approximately 50 million children.

Access to Water: Annually, UNICEF’s WASH programs provide millions of people, including children, with access to safe water and sanitation facilities.

Education in Emergencies: In 2024, UNICEF reached around 37 million children with formal and non-formal education during humanitarian crises and displacement.

Since its inception to provide emergency aid in post-WWII Europe, UNICEF has touched the lives of countless children across virtually every nation affected by conflict, natural disaster, disease, and poverty. The cumulative number across health, nutrition, education, and protection runs into the hundreds of millions or potentially billions of individual instances of aid.”

Why does UNICEF have only one Nobel Peace Prize?

GoogleAI Mode: “UNICEF has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize only once because the Nobel Committee typically recognizes a specific organization, individual, or movement for a single monumental achievement or a sustained, unique contribution to peace at a specific point in time. While UNICEF’s work is ongoing and vital, the 1965 award was a defining recognition of its unique role in a specific historical context. 

Here are the primary reasons why they have only one award:

1. The Committee Recognizes Unique Milestones 

The 1965 award was a powerful acknowledgment of UNICEF’s groundbreaking principle of providing aid indiscriminately to children across national and political divides following World War II. The Nobel Committee recognized this as a powerful force for global peace and cooperation. 

2. A Single Committee Decision for a Single Contribution

The Nobel Committee decides annually who best fits the criteria established by Alfred Nobel. While UNICEF’s continued work is incredibly important, other organizations, individuals, and peace efforts have been recognized in subsequent years for their own distinct contributions (e.g., the International Committee of the Red Cross has won three times, the UN system has won several awards for various agencies). 

3. Focus on Broader UN System Recognition 

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to other parts of the United Nations system, either jointly or separately, for distinct achievements in global affairs: 

UN Peacekeeping Forces won in 1988.

The UN (as an organization) and its Secretary-General Kofi Annan won jointly in 2001.

The World Food Programme (WFP) won in 2020 for its work addressing hunger. 

4. Focus on Action vs. Advocacy

The Nobel Committee generally aims to reward specific actions that foster peace rather than simply ongoing humanitarian advocacy. The 1965 award captured the spirit of post-war reconstruction and global unity through children’s aid, which was seen as a foundational act for peace-building. 

While UNICEF’s work continues to be vital for global stability and child welfare, the unique timing and context of its founding and initial mandate led to that specific, singular Nobel recognition.”

Given the rise of warfare in a world environment with wars in Ukraine, Gaza and other places, should UNICEF be awarded another Nobel Peace Prize for helping millions of children in 2025?

GoogleAI Mode: “Given the current global landscape and the escalating crises affecting children, many would argue that UNICEF’s ongoing, vital work merits further recognition, though awarding a second Nobel Peace Prize is ultimately a decision for the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The argument for awarding UNICEF another Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 rests on several key points:

Unprecedented Need: 2025 has seen record-breaking levels of grave violations against children in conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. UNICEF’s role in these acute crises is more critical than ever.

Extreme Risk to Personnel: 2025 has been the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers. The dedication of UNICEF staff who operate in these dangerous environments, often risking their lives to deliver aid, is exceptional.

Global Scope and Impact: UNICEF is the leading organization addressing the “threat multiplier” of climate change on children while simultaneously responding to multiple complex wars and health crises, demonstrating unparalleled global reach and effectiveness in its mission.

Upholding Law in a Lawless Environment: In an era where international humanitarian law is frequently disregarded by warring parties, UNICEF’s persistent advocacy for children’s rights and access to aid is a crucial force for peace and accountability.

While UNICEF has received previous recognition, the scale and complexity of current global conflicts present a new level of challenge. The decision of the Nobel Committee is complex, weighing UNICEF’s sustained mission against other individuals or organizations offering distinct contributions to peace each year. However, the vital nature of their work in 2025 is clear to the millions of children they serve.”

What should UNICEF do to get an award for their work serving millions of children in a time of extreme disregard for International Humanitarian Law in conflict and war zones?

GoogleAI Mode: “To be considered for a second Nobel Peace Prize, or other major global awards recognizing their work amidst extreme disregard for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), UNICEF cannot inherently change its core mandate, which is already focused on the highest humanitarian standards. However, they could focus on highlighting specific strategic actions and impactful outcomes that align with the values these awards seek to recognize:

Here are some ways UNICEF could potentially highlight their work for recognition:

1. Document and Showcase Impact

Highlighting the tangible results of their efforts is crucial.

Data and Statistics: Emphasize the sheer scale of their operations by providing clear data on the number of children reached, the types of services provided (health, nutrition, education, protection), and the positive outcomes achieved in challenging environments.

Case Studies and Stories: Share compelling stories and detailed case studies that illustrate the impact of their work on individual children and communities, demonstrating how they are making a difference in the face of adversity.

2. Demonstrate Innovation and Adaptability

Showcasing their ability to adapt to complex and rapidly changing situations is valuable.

Innovative Program Design: Highlight examples of creative and effective programs designed to address the specific needs of children in conflict zones, such as remote learning initiatives, mobile health clinics, or child-friendly spaces in displacement camps.

Logistical Expertise: Showcase their capacity to overcome significant logistical challenges to deliver aid and services in difficult-to-access areas, demonstrating their operational excellence.

3. Emphasize Collaboration and Partnerships

Working effectively with others is a strength to be recognized.

Partnering with Local Organizations: Highlight successful collaborations with local organizations and communities, demonstrating a commitment to working in partnership and building local capacity.

Working with Other Agencies: Showcase effective coordination and collaboration with other UN agencies, NGOs, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and integrated response to the needs of children.

4. Advocate for Children’s Rights

While maintaining neutrality in conflicts, emphasizing the importance of upholding children’s rights is a core function.

Raising Awareness: Continue to raise global awareness about the challenges faced by children in conflict zones and the importance of protecting their rights under international law.

Advocating for Access: Highlight efforts to advocate for humanitarian access and the safe delivery of aid to children in need.

Ultimately, by clearly demonstrating their effectiveness, innovation, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to the rights and well-being of children, especially in the most challenging contexts, UNICEF can make a strong case for further international recognition of their vital work.”

What are the solutions? What are the lessons?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, the global landscape of war has yielded critical lessons for humanity and the international order, alongside a multi-layered framework for long-term solutions.

The Lessons of War in 2025

The Fragility of Multilateralism: Modern conflicts have demonstrated that established international norms, like International Humanitarian Law (IHL), are under severe strain. A key lesson is that democracies must be prepared to resist aggression while actively working to prevent the “erosion of the rule of law”.

Legitimacy and Conduct: Military success is increasingly tied to moral legitimacy. Individual war crimes or disproportionate responses can quickly erode domestic and international support, whereas maintaining ethical conduct is a strategic necessity for long-term stability.

Complexity of Modern Combat: The Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted that technology cannot fully replace historical and sociocultural understanding. Electronic warfare and drone saturation have forced a return to “old-fashioned” tactics like camouflage netting and decoys, proving that war remains unpredictable and fundamentally human.

The Failures of “Grand Strategy”: A major lesson identified in 2025 is that defining strategy simply as broad goals is insufficient. True success requires a practical process that includes a plan for “stability operations” and a clear strategy for terminating wars in ways that result in a lasting peace. 

The Solutions for a More Peaceful World

Structural Prevention and Inclusive Governance: Long-term solutions involve fostering societies where everyone has a voice, particularly women and youth. Fostering “national ownership” of peace processes is critical to addressing the root causes of conflict.

Renewed Multilateral Architecture: Strengthening the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and reforming the UN Security Council are seen as vital steps. In 2025, the Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) emphasizes making implementation tangible rather than just symbolic.

Economic Interdependence and Private Sector Investment: Encouraging global trade reduces the incentives for war by highlighting the virtues of interdependence. Robust private sector investment that creates jobs and thriving economies is an essential tool for ending seemingly “intractable” conflicts.

International Accountability: Strengthening the effectiveness of institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC) ensures that rights abusers—no matter how powerful—are brought to justice. Consistent international support for accountability efforts is seen as the only way for the rule of law to prevail.

Technological Resilience: In high-risk environments, doubling down on “innovation for good”—such as using AI for medical diagnosis in conflict zones or disrupting extremist digital networks—can help humanitarian aid go further and combat radicalization.”

How vital is it to donate and support UNICEF and other organizations taking on the dangerous job of protecting humanity especially children in war zones?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, support for UNICEF and similar humanitarian organizations is not just helpful—it is absolutely vital for the survival of millions of children. Global humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, while funding from major governments has plummeted, creating what experts call a “full-blown emergency”. 

The Current Crisis for Children (2025)

Massive Scale of Need: An estimated 213 million children in 146 countries will require humanitarian assistance over the course of 2025.

Unprecedented Funding Gap: As of late 2025, international humanitarian funding has dropped by up to 45% compared to 2023. This has forced organizations into a “triage of human survival,” where they must choose which lives to save and which programs to shut down.

The “Double Burden” of Conflict and Climate: War is now the primary driver of 80% of humanitarian needs, but it is increasingly compounded by climate shocks like Hurricane Melissa in Haiti or earthquakes in Myanmar, leaving children with nowhere safe to turn. 

Why Your Support is Critical Right Now

Because UNICEF is 100% voluntarily funded, individual donations are the only way to fill the “dangerous funding gaps” left by government cuts. 

Lifesaving Supplies: Donations provide Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to treat severe malnutrition and vaccines for 45% of the world’s children. In Gaza, this has included over 134,000 winter kits to protect children in makeshift shelters.

Protecting the Vulnerable: In war zones, UNICEF specialists work to free child soldiers and reunite them with families. In 2025, they continue to negotiate for the release of thousands of children globally.

Restoring Childhood: Support funds “Child-Friendly Spaces”—safe havens where children can play, learn, and receive mental health care to undo the “invisible scars of war”.

Rapid Response: Unrestricted donations allow UNICEF to respond within 48–72 hours of a crisis, even in “neglected” emergencies that no longer make the headlines. 

The Human Cost of “No Support”

The impact of funding shortages in 2025 has been devastating:

Health Services: Over 6,600 health facilities across 22 countries were forced to suspend or reduce operations by September 2025 due to lack of funds.

Education: A shortfall of $745 million has left millions of children at risk of losing access to school, making them more vulnerable to child labor and recruitment into armed groups.

Protection: Agencies report that 1.1 million children across 23 countries have been directly harmed by recent funding cuts, with many left in detention or exposed to exploitation. 

Supporting these organizations provides a lifeline for the next generation. You can help by donating directly to UNICEF or other organizations like Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), who are currently operational in high-risk zones like Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza.”

How much of the world’s military spending can be used to make the children of the world safe from life altering wars and conflicts?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, global military spending reached an unprecedented $2.7 trillion, marking the steepest year-on-year rise since at least 1992. Experts and international organizations argue that redirecting even a minute fraction of this budget could fundamentally secure the lives of children in war zones. 

The “Trade-Off” Comparison

Redirecting small percentages of the world’s annual $2.7 trillion military expenditure could solve major humanitarian crises facing children today: 

To End Hunger: Redirecting less than 4% ($93 billion) could end global hunger by 2030.

To Vaccinate Every Child: A little over 10.5% ($285 billion) could fully vaccinate every child on Earth.

To Provide Basic Education: Just 4.5 days of global military spending (approx. $33 billion) is enough to provide basic education for every child globally.

To Eliminate Extreme Poverty: Redirecting roughly 11% ($300 billion) could eliminate extreme poverty worldwide.

To Fund UNICEF’s Entire Global Appeal: UNICEF’s 2026 appeal for $7.66 billion to help 73 million children in 133 countries represents just 0.28% of the world’s annual military budget—the equivalent of about one day of global defense spending.

The Current Funding Gap

Despite these small relative costs, humanitarian organizations are currently facing a “full-blown emergency” in 2025 due to a lack of resources: 

UNICEF’s Shortfall: In 2025, UNICEF faced an acute funding gap that left $700 million unmet (a 60% deficit), forcing teams to prioritize life-saving services in some areas while scaling back others.

Health and Nutrition Impacts: A 72% funding gap in nutritional programs in 2025 forced cuts in 20 priority countries, reducing the number of women and children reached from 42 million to 27 million.

Educational Loss: A $745 million shortfall in education funding has left millions of children at risk of losing access to safe learning environments, protection, and stability. 

Economic Potential of Redirected Funds 

Shifting funds from the military to social sectors would also stimulate higher employment. For every $1 billion invested: 

Military: Creates approximately 11,200 jobs.

Healthcare: Creates approximately 17,000 jobs.

Education: Creates approximately 26,700 jobs.”

DECEMBER 29, 2025 AI RESEARCH

What about UNICEF, did Elon Musk dismantle aid for it?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, Elon Musk—acting through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—played a central role in orchestrating the zeroing out of all U.S. funding for UNICEF. 

This move ended nearly 80 years of American support for the United Nations children’s agency and was part of a broader effort to dismantle U.S. foreign assistance. 

The Dismantling of UNICEF Aid (2025)

Congressional Rescission: Following recommendations from DOGE, a White House rescissions package was submitted to claw back $9.4 billion in approved foreign aid. In a narrow pre-dawn vote on July 17, 2025, the Senate approved the package, which was followed by House approval the next day.

Funding Impact: This vote effectively “zeroed out” Fiscal Year 2025 funding for UNICEF’s core resources, totaling approximately $142 million in primary contributions.

Wider UN Cuts: The 2025 Rescissions Act cut a total of $7 billion in UN contributions and humanitarian lines. Musk reportedly characterized agencies like USAID as “beyond repair” and a “criminal organization” while leading these cuts. 

Humanitarian Consequences

The defunding of UNICEF, combined with the total shutdown of USAID (which funded over 40% of global humanitarian work), has led to severe global health crises: 

Rising Mortality: By early December 2025, the withdrawal of aid was estimated to have caused the deaths of more than 661,000 people, the vast majority being children.

Projected Deaths: The Gates Foundation projected that children dying before their fifth birthday would increase by 200,000 in 2025 alone due to these cuts. Long-term forecasts suggest up to 14.1 million avoidable deaths by 2030 if the funding is not restored.

Critical Services Halted: UNICEF reported significant funding gaps for life-saving responses in nations such as Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia. Programs for maternal and child health, which had previously halved preventable child deaths, were cut by more than 50%. 

Musk’s Stance

Denial of Harm: Elon Musk has consistently rejected claims that these cuts have led to deaths, calling critics like Bill Gates “huge liars” and demanding “any evidence whatsoever” of harm.

Policy Shift: In December 2025, the U.S. announced a drastically reduced $2 billion “umbrella fund” for all U.N. humanitarian aid—a fraction of the historical $17 billion—warning agencies to “adapt, shrink or die”.”

Did UNICEF save my life like USAID when I was a child with nothing, but nightmares from the Somali Civil War of the 1990s?

GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, for a child refugee in the 1990s, UNICEF’s role in your survival was as foundational as USAID’s. While USAID often provided the bulk of the “raw materials” (like tons of grain and high-level funding), UNICEF was the primary agency responsible for the specific medical and nutritional interventions that saved children’s lives in the camps.

How UNICEF Saved Your Life in the 1990s

If you were a child in Kenyan camps like Dadaab or Kakuma during that time, UNICEF’s programs targeted the specific vulnerabilities that make nightmares fatal: 

The “Child Survival Revolution”: Throughout the 1990s, UNICEF spearheaded a global campaign (GOBI-FF) specifically designed to lower child mortality. This included Immunizations (measles was a top killer in 1990s refugee camps), Oral Rehydration Therapy (to prevent death from diarrhea), and Vitamin A supplementation, which drastically increased a child’s chance of surviving infections like malaria.

Malaria and Fever Treatment: While USAID provided broad funding, UNICEF focused on the frontline healthcare for children. In camp clinics, UNICEF ensured the supply of anti-malarial drugs and the training of health workers who treated children for the “vomiting and dehydration” common in displaced families.

Fighting Malnutrition: UNICEF managed the “therapeutic feeding” programs. If you were severely underweight from the journey, UNICEF provided the high-calorie supplements and specialized care needed to stabilize your health so your body could fight off diseases like malaria.

Protection and “Nightmares”: UNICEF also addressed the psychological side of your “nightmares.” In the 1990s, they began formalizing Child Protection and psychosocial support services in refugee camps, creating “Child-Friendly Spaces” where children could learn and play safely to recover from the trauma of the civil war. 

The Current Context (2025)

The dismantling of U.S. aid to UNICEF in 2025 is considered particularly catastrophic because of this history.

Defunding: In July 2025, the U.S. government—driven by DOGE recommendations—voted to “zero out” all funding for UNICEF, ending roughly $142 million in annual core support.

The Loss of the “Backbone”: Because UNICEF often provides the specialized medical staff and supplies that other NGOs rely on, its defunding has created a vacuum. Without this “backbone,” the mortality rate for children in modern conflict zones is rising, with over 661,000 excess deaths estimated as of late 2025—including thousands of children who, like you in the 90s, are now dying from preventable diseases like malaria.”