Children had ‘one of the most difficult’ years in 2023
Social Desk
The year 2023 will be remembered as “one of the most difficult” years for children worldwide, according to UNICEF.
The child mortality rate in Gaza is reported to be “twice” as high as what UNICEF has observed in over 40 conflicts, according to Ted Chaiban, the deputy executive director of UNICEF, Anadolu reported.
Chaiban also highlights the impact of insufficient funding on humanitarian groups. He further mentions the challenging situations in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel as we enter 2024, and emphasizes the need for continued support and attention to crises in these regions.
In Gaza, the violence has been unprecedented, with over 40 percent of the total death toll being children. The indiscriminate level of violence in Gaza is deeply concerning. Chaiban also draws attention to the ongoing crises in Sudan, including targeted violence leading to child displacement, as well as the long-standing conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where children face sexual and physical violence.
Despite the challenges, Chaiban emphasizes the importance of every dollar in making a difference for children. UNICEF’s appeal for emergency funding in 2023 was roughly 50 percent funded, leading to a reduction in the 2024 appeal by 16 percent. The focus is on being more efficient and targeting the most at-risk children. However, Chaiban emphasizes that “you cannot do more with less” and appeals to donors not to turn their attention away from children.
As we approach 2024, Chaiban recognizes the difficult situations in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel. He urges the world not to forget other crises, such as the displacement from Syria, the Rohingya in Bangladesh, and the situation in Haiti. Despite the challenges, Chaiban also highlights situations of hope, such as the averted famine in Somalia and the progress made in the Horn of Africa.
Looking ahead to 2024, UNICEF has launched a $9.3 billion emergency funding appeal to reach at least 93.7 million children in 155 countries. The top five appeals by funding requirements are for Afghanistan, Syrian refugees and other vulnerable populations, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine and the refugee response. UNICEF’s goals include vaccination against measles, treating severe acute malnutrition, and providing education and mental health support to millions of children.
Critically underfunded emergencies include Sudan, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Haiti, Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, and Bangladesh. UNICEF’s work continues to make a positive impact, and the organization calls for ongoing support to provide hope for children facing these challenges.