June 11, marks the first-ever International Day of Play, a significant step in the mission to champion the value of play for everyone, particularly children. This day highlights how play helps individuals thrive and achieve their full potential. As a universal language, play unites people across national, cultural, and socio-economic lines, building community and pride. On this day, let鈥檚 celebrate the power of play. Are you ready?
The World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) serves as a driving force in the growing global effort to combat this type of work that deprives children of their childhood. This year's theme, "Let's deliver on our commitments: End Child Labour," calls on the international community to strengthen the implementation of two core conventions on the issue- and . Through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the world has pledged to eliminate child labour in all its forms by 2025. Let's work together for a world free of child labour! #EndChildLabour
Children living in war zones face unimaginable horrors every day, from violence and abduction to denial of essential aid. The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (4 June) recognizes their suffering and reaffirms the UN's commitment to protecting children's rights. This day affirms the UN's responsibility to protect children's rights. Its work is guided by the the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.
In 2023, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund () provided mine risk prevention and response services, including survivor assistance, to nearly 140,000 individuals, among them children, throughout Myanmar. Efforts to scale up mine risk education sessions, supported by pamphlets and handbooks in local languages, are underway in conflict zones. The escalating deployment of landmines in Myanmar poses a grave danger to children's safety and well-being. Each detonation not only ends lives but also destroys aspirations and strips away the innocence of childhood. It is crucial for all involved parties to collaborate in safeguarding children from the severe consequences of landmines.
As Gaza faces the looming specter of famine, the harrowing toll of malnutrition has already claimed the lives of twenty-seven innocent children, with countless others teetering on the brink of starvation. In response, the has mobilized efforts to train healthcare workers in identifying and treating severe malnutrition complications, while also establishing critical nutrition stabilization centers in key areas of the region. Urgent action is imperative to stem the tide of this humanitarian crisis and prevent further loss of life among Gaza's vulnerable population.
There aren鈥檛 enough ventilators at Al-Emirati Hospital in Rafah, Gaza to support the babies being born there. Dr. Ahmed Al-Shaer, Deputy Head of the Incubator Care Unit at the hospital, describes the desperate situation.
is urging for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the critical need to address children's urgent needs. Neeson highlights protection, safe access to life-saving supplies and services, and uninterrupted funding as essential elements in this endeavor. Expressing deep concern over the devastating toll on children's lives amidst the ongoing conflict, Neeson stresses the urgency of ending the fighting to mitigate the humanitarian catastrophe.
The escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is having a catastrophic impact on children and families. Around 1.7 million people in the Gaza Strip are estimated to have been internally displaced 鈥 half of them children.
Even wars have rules. No from essential services, nor fall from the reach of humanitarian hands.
The incubators at Al-Helal Al-Emirati Hospital in Gaza are filled with babies who have lost their parents. Learn about this tragic situation from two doctors at the hospital and see how is taking action.
Months of escalating conflict have turned the Gaza Strip into the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. Every child across Gaza has been exposed to deeply distressing events, witnessing horrors that no child should. Around 1.7 million people are estimated to have been internally displaced by the violence, half of them children. Families desperately searching for shelter are being pushed into tiny, overcrowded areas without adequate water, food, or protection. The little food that is available isn鈥檛 enough to meet children鈥檚 nutritional needs. As a result, thousands of children are malnourished and sick. The lasting impact of this violence will be felt for generations to come.
鈥淚 think the direction in which we need to go is for us to restructure education,鈥 said Farida Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to education.
鈥淚 want it to be open. I want there to be much more appreciation of our artistic expressions. Education has to be rounded. It has to be based on human rights and it needs to explore and enable everyone to reach the full potential as human beings, whatever that may be.鈥 and other issues as part of Voices of Dignity, a series of interviews with thought leaders and experts on the
Around 1.4 billion children under 15 lack social protection, making them vulnerable to poverty, poor nutrition, and disease. Child benefits can reduce poverty and provide essential services like healthcare, nutrition, and education. However, fewer than 1-in-10 children in low-income countries have access to child benefits, compared to 84.6% in high-income countries. The International Labour Organization (), Save the Children, and call on governments to provide universal child benefits to protect all children. Although access to child benefits has increased globally from 20% in 2009 to 28.1% in 2023, this progress has been unequal, with low-income countries lagging behind. To address the issue, the organizations have launched the to monitor children's access to benefits and advocate with governments and donors to close the gaps.
Cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Each year, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer. The most common types of include leukemias, brain cancers, lymphomas and solid tumours. It is generally not possible to prevent cancer in children, so the most effective strategy to improve outcomes is to focus on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by effective, evidence-based therapy. , 15 February, spotlights the need for more equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere.
Since 7 October, around 85% of Gaza's population, which is about 1.9 million people, have been displaced. The majority of the 24,000 killed and 59,000 injured are women and children. Hunger is widespread, and aid has been insufficient to address the growing humanitarian crisis. The UN has called for commercial supplies to be allowed to enter Gaza to enable markets and the private sector to reopen and provide an alternative to food accessibility. The images and stories in this photo story published by the (OCHA) depict the harsh reality that Palestinian children face daily.
Whether in person or online, almost all children and young people will encounter hate speech at some time. It鈥檚 important to help them recognize it and know what to do when they encounter it.