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Global Issues:
Children

"Refugees do bring so much to the community, they bring a whole different culture, a whole different lens on life, and that is powerful and important."

War is Mary Maker’s earliest memory. Born in South Sudan and named Nyiriak — meaning "war" — she spent her youth living and working in one of the world’s largest refugee camps. Now a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, she is raising her voice on behalf of those she left behind, helping refugee students land scholarships to top universities.

“I want to be seen. I want to be heard. I want to be acknowledged. I want to be at the table, making decisions and feeling like a part of something. Are you able to see us? Are you? Are you able to go beyond the news and really understand that this is someone like you?”

After her family fled to safety, Mary built a new life of opportunity through education and hard work – finding her feet, and her voice, on stage. In this episode, she shares how she overcame a childhood marred by death and conflict, and how theater became both her refuge and her path forward.

Photo: ©UNHCR

A new chapter. On and off the pitch. Today becomes a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. From street games in his barrio to packed stadiums around the globe, play has been part of Lamine’s story throughout his life. Now he's using his voice to stand up for every child’s right to play. Because play isn’t a privilege. It's for everyone. No matter who you are, where you are from or what your life looks like. This International Day of Play, hear his message on why play matters.

"I don't understand how that much happens in my heart." Everyone experiences being a parent differently. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown shares a glimpse of what that looks like for her. For expert tips to support your parenting journey, visit .

Hansel and his brother grew up in a family determined to give their children the best possible future. Like many parents across Peru, their mother faced the daily challenge of ensuring her children received the nutrition and care they needed during the most important years of their development. With access to improved health and nutrition services, the family received support that helped both boys grow and thrive. Today, Hansel and his brother embody the impact of Peru’s efforts to reduce chronic child malnutrition. Their experience shows how informed parents, strong public services and sustained support can work together to help children reach their full potential.

Behind 138 million child labourers are parents without decent wages, protection, or hope. The 2026 World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) cuts through the noise: you cannot protect children without supporting families. Under the , the demands quality education, universal social protection, adult livelihoods, stronger laws and enforcement, better data and monitoring systems, and responsible action in agriculture and supply chains. On this day, join the campaign —and help send child labour off the field for good.

Play isn’t just fun – it’s essential for every child’s development. Observed annually on 11 June, the International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the transformative power of play, raise awareness of its vital role in children's growth and well-being, and come together to ensure every child can enjoy their right to play. This year’s theme, “”, serves as a reminder for governments, businesses, schools and families that happy and healthy childhoods are built on the freedom to play.

On the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (4 June) we recognize children living in conflict zones who face violence, fear and loss on an alarming scale. In 2024, the United Nations verified record levels of grave violations against children, including killing and maiming, recruitment and abduction, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian aid. Thousands remain caught in conflict, deprived of safety, education, healthcare and protection. Ending these violations requires urgent action, accountability, recovery and reintegration for peace.

UNICEF highlights that (RUTF) has transformed treatment for severe child malnutrition worldwide.

WFP-backed reduces in Pakistan through nutrition support, counselling, and maternal health services.

While active hostilities in Syria have subsided, hundreds of thousands of hidden hazards – bombs and artillery shells that failed to detonate on impact, or landmines buried just beneath the surface – continue to threaten the lives and well-being of millions of children. Hidden explosives continue to injure and kill children, turning everyday activities like playing football or walking home into life-threatening risks. Even for children who survive a blast, the cascading effects of explosive remnants of war can be felt in every aspect of their lives. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. UNICEF is actively working on the ground to provide risk education, victim assistance, and mental health support to help Syrian families navigate this invisible, deadly landscape.

In Pakistan, 14-year-old Sobh walks through her village, showing how climate change has disrupted daily life with heavy rains flooding schools and damaging water sources. 

Sobh explains how UNICEF is supporting her village through solutions like rainwater collection, solar energy, tree planting, and safe drinking water systems. At school, children are not only learning about climate change but also working together to find ways to protect their future.

Escalating violence in and is exposing children to trauma, fear, displacement, and disrupted safety, education, and daily life.

Under intense heat at the Sudan–South Sudan border, Marida, a 35‑year‑old Sudanese mother of four, walks an hour to reach the area’s only health clinic, carrying her youngest child. With no job and little access to care near her home, the clinic is her lifeline. As she waits in the shade, she braids her daughter’s hair and shares water, calm despite exhaustion. Serving conflict‑affected families in a harsh, remote landscape, the clinic offers rare care close to home. That day a clinician assessed Marida and prescribed medication. Having already lost one son at age four, she makes the journey whenever her children, aged 13, 10, 8 and 4, need care—and will walk it again for follow‑up.