Children in emergencies
Conflicts, disasters, epidemics, displacement and food crises put children first at risk: health, nutrition, school, protection and safe water remain priorities.
Source : UNICEFDirect link
Global emergencies
Major humanitarian problems now
A public guide to crises where needs remain severe: conflict, hunger, displacement, water, health, child protection and climate-related disasters.
- Independent guide
- Official links only
- Editorial review :
Short answer
How can you help during a humanitarian emergency?
Check a recent institutional source, choose an organization already present or connected to local partners, and use its official website. Financial support is usually faster and more flexible than sending unrequested goods. Never act under pressure from a private message or an unverifiable fundraiser.
This page is a guidance resource, not a live news feed. The official source linked in each profile is authoritative for the latest situation.
- Check the date and source.
- Identify priority needs.
- Use an official channel.
Keep a clear head
In an emergency, a few minutes of checking matter
The first hours of a crisis bring incomplete information, powerful images and many appeals for help. Acting quickly is still possible when you use identifiable channels.
Prefer appeals published directly by a recognized organization already working in the area or able to cooperate with local partners. Be cautious with urgent private messages, fundraisers with no clearly named organizer and websites that imitate a familiar name. If unsure, do not use the received link; find the official website yourself.
Flexible financial donations can help teams purchase what is actually needed, in the right place and at the right time. Material donations can be valuable when requested, but uncoordinated goods may be costly to sort, store and transport. The receiving organization is the best source of advice on the most suitable form of support.
Major humanitarian problems now
Sudan
War has created one of today’s gravest humanitarian crises: mass displacement, hunger, violence, outbreaks and sharply reduced access to healthcare.
Source : WHODirect linkGaza and the occupied Palestinian territory
Civilian needs remain extreme: protection, healthcare, water, food, shelter, humanitarian access and support for separated, injured or traumatized children.
Source : OCHADirect linkUkraine
The war continues to affect families and children through displacement, destruction, health needs, psychosocial support, education disruption and winter hardship.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkHaiti
Armed violence, displacement, food insecurity, healthcare access, schooling and child protection require sustained, carefully targeted aid.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkDRC and Great Lakes
Conflict, displacement, violence against civilians, malnutrition, health, water and child protection remain central needs.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkMyanmar
Conflict, internal displacement, natural hazards, reduced access to services and child protection risks affect millions of people.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkYemen
A prolonged crisis marked by malnutrition, preventable disease, lack of water, a weakened economy and major child protection needs.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkAfghanistan
Poverty, difficult returns, restrictions, earthquakes, climate shocks, healthcare and girls’ education keep needs extremely high.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkSahel and Lake Chad Basin
Violence, displacement, hunger, school closures, water access and climate shocks are weakening communities over the long term.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkHorn of Africa
Droughts, floods, local conflict, food prices, livestock health and displacement are straining food security and nutrition.
Source : United NationsDirect linkSyria
Displacement and family returns, damaged health, water and education services, and explosive hazards sustain major child protection needs.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkLebanon
Hostilities and displacement strain families already affected by the economic crisis; safe water, healthcare, continued learning and protection remain essential.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkBangladesh and Rohingya refugees
The prolonged Rohingya refugee crisis overlaps with floods, cyclones and landslides; refugees and host communities need water, health, education and protection services.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkMozambique
Conflict, displacement, climate shocks and disease outbreaks increase needs for health, nutrition, water, education and protection, especially among children.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkVenezuela
The economic crisis limits families’ access to essentials; the June 2026 earthquakes added needs for healthcare, water, protection and recovery.
Source : UNICEFDirect linkFollow updates from the United Nations, UNICEF, UNHCR, OCHA and ReliefWeb.
Giving reflex
Before giving during an emergency
- Check the domain name, HTTPS and absence of misspellings in the address.
- Prefer general emergency funds when an organization recommends them.
- Read reports, accounts or transparency pages before making a large donation.
- Avoid anonymous fundraisers and pressure-based solicitations.
Understand the response beyond the alert
A crisis moves through overlapping phases. The sources linked in each profile remain the reference for current needs.
Save lives and protect
First priorities can include care, water, safety, temporary shelter and family contact. Access to affected people shapes the response.
Read more →Keep services running
After the first days, water, health, nutrition and education services must continue. People already at risk may have less visible needs.
Read more →Support recovery
Repairing homes, restoring livelihoods and rebuilding services takes time. Flexible support can help with this transition when an organization offers it.
Read more →Remember prolonged crises
A less reported crisis can remain severe. Compare current appeals, described needs and local capacity before choosing where to help.
Read more →