The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed alarming data indicating that a child is killed or maimed every 15 minutes in the Middle East and North Africa, as violence, displacement, and destruction escalate across the region. In less than two years, over 12.2 million children have been killed, injured, or forced from their homes, with the crisis compounded by severe funding shortfalls that jeopardize critical humanitarian operations.

UNICEF’s regional director, Edward Beigbeder, stated that more than 110 million children in the region are living amid conflict, with violence disrupting nearly every aspect of their lives—from access to food and water to education and healthcare.

Half of the children in the Middle East and North Africa reside in areas directly impacted by war and instability. The organization reported that 45 million children across the region are at risk in 2025—up sharply from 32 million five years ago.

The data reflects the severity of the crises in places like Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, where children face life-threatening risks daily and are left with lasting psychological scars.

Alarming Forecasts and Funding Threats

UNICEF warned that without urgent action to end hostilities and bolster humanitarian assistance, child mortality and displacement will rise further. The agency anticipates a potential 20–25% increase in child mortality by 2030 in the region, threatening to reverse decades of development gains.

Beigbeder emphasized that ending hostilities is not optional but essential for ensuring a future for millions of children. The agency highlighted the danger posed by declining funding, which risks halting vital programs such as treatment for severe malnutrition, provision of safe water, and vaccination campaigns in conflict zones.