{"id":9119,"date":"2026-02-11T10:30:52","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T10:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=9119"},"modified":"2026-02-11T10:31:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T10:31:38","slug":"unicef-warns-2026-off-to-devastating-start-for-children-in-middle-east-and-north-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=9119","title":{"rendered":"UNICEF Warns 2026 Off to Devastating Start for Children in Middle East and North Africa."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

UNICEF Warns 2026 Off to Devastating Start for Children in Middle East and North Africa.<\/h1>\n

Regional Director says killings, displacement and service disruptions continue to shatter young lives across conflict-affected countries.<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Amman:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just weeks into the new year, children across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are already bearing a heavy toll from escalating violence and protracted conflicts, UNICEF Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder has warned in a strongly worded statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are only a few weeks into the new year and already the toll of violence and conflict on children in the region is devastating,\u201d Beigbeder said, describing a pattern of killings, injuries, displacement, detention and denial of essential services affecting children across multiple countries.<\/p>\n

Syria: Displacement and Winter Hardship<\/h4>\n

In northeast Syria, renewed violence has displaced nearly 200,000 people\u2014about half of them children\u2014disrupting access to health care and other critical services. At least five children have reportedly died in Ain Al Arab\/Kobani due to the lack of health services and winter supplies.<\/p>\n

UNICEF warned that ongoing clashes are exacerbating already fragile living conditions, leaving families without adequate shelter, medical care or education.<\/p>\n

Sudan: Children Killed Amid Famine Risk<\/h4>\n

In Sudan, the situation remains dire. At least 20 children were reportedly killed in January 2026, most in the Kordofan and Darfur states. Millions of children are in urgent need of lifesaving assistance, protection and restored access to basic services.<\/p>\n

Famine has already been confirmed in Al Fasher in North Darfur and Kadugli in Kordofan, with nearly 20 additional areas at risk as conflict hampers the delivery of humanitarian aid.<\/p>\n

Iran: Rising Casualties and Detentions<\/h4>\n

UNICEF also raised alarm over recent events in Iran, where more than 144 children have reportedly been killed, with many others injured or detained. The agency is advocating with Iranian authorities to protect children from violence and to end any arrest or detention of minors.<\/p>\n

Beigbeder stressed that fears of further escalation are placing immense psychological strain on children and families, urging all parties to deescalate tensions and prioritize peace.<\/p>\n

Gaza and the West Bank: Fragile Ceasefire, Ongoing Violence<\/h4>\n

In the Gaza Strip, a fragile ceasefire has led to limited improvements, but the situation remains highly precarious. Since the beginning of 2026, 37 children have reportedly been killed. Children continue to face airstrikes and the consequences of severely damaged health, water and education systems.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ceasefire must hold and deliver on its promise to end the suffering of children in Gaza,\u201d Beigbeder emphasized.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, escalating violence has further undermined children\u2019s safety. Two children were killed and 25 injured in January alone, leaving families in what UNICEF described as a \u201cperpetual state of fear and uncertainty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yemen and Lebanon: Protracted Crises Persist<\/h4>\n

Beyond active conflict zones, children in Yemen continue to endure overlapping crises, including armed conflict, economic collapse and widespread malnutrition. In Lebanon, families are struggling to recover from recent hostilities while living under the constant threat of renewed strikes.<\/p>\n

Across the region, prolonged instability is compounding humanitarian needs and placing additional strain on already weakened systems.<\/p>\n

Call for Protection and Accountability<\/h4>\n

UNICEF condemned grave violations against children, including killing and maiming, as unacceptable under international humanitarian and human rights law.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren must always be protected, yet the first month of 2026 across the Middle East and North Africa has already been marked by the devastating loss of young lives,\u201d Beigbeder said.<\/p>\n

The agency called on all governments and parties to conflict to uphold their legal obligations and take immediate action to end violence against children, including killings, injuries, arrests and detentions. \u201cWhat all children need most is peace,\u201d the statement concluded.<\/p>\n

As 2026 unfolds, UNICEF warns that without urgent de-escalation, sustained humanitarian access and stronger protections for children, the region risks another year of irreversible damage to a generation already scarred by years of conflict.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UNICEF Warns 2026 Off to Devastating Start for Children in Middle East and North Africa. Regional Director says killings, displacement and service disruptions continue to […]<\/p>\n

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