UNICEF Australia

Us! is here! Us! is a brand-new storybook from UNICEF Australia and ARACY, supported by the Minderoo Foundation. Inspired by real conversations with kids in Australia - watch The Wiggles bring the story to life in our read-along video (https://unicef.au/4ixmHtO)!

When a polio outbreak was confirmed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) last May, we partnered with the PNG government, with support from Australia, for three mass vaccination campaigns to keep over four million children safe. Together, let's #EndPolio and help children thrive. #WorldPolioDay

Around the world, children are growing up with war and being exposed to situations no child should have to experience. On #InternationalDayofPeace, we call for an end to violence and for children to have the right to live in peace, with hope for the future. Let’s #InvestInPeace for every child.

Working closely with the Government of Nepal and humanitarian partners, @unicef.org is scaling up lifesaving support across health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, child protection and social protection. Read the full release: https://unicef.au/4zEJLgZ

This week is #NAIDOCWeek. We celebrate the powerful contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, as well as their voices and leadership, that continue to shape and strengthen our work. #NAIDOC2026 #50YearsOfDeadly

We’re proud to announce that the Honourable Anna Bligh AC has been appointed Chair of the UNICEF Australia Board of Directors, succeeding outgoing Chair Ann Sherry AO. Read the full announcement here: https://unicef.au/4uHTLT3

Reconciliation Week honours the strength, culture and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and this year's theme is a powerful call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation. This week, and every week, let's go ‘all in’ on reconciliation. #NRW2026

The deadly Ebola outbreak in DR Congo (DRC) and Uganda is threatening children's lives. Urgent support is needed to scale up efforts and reach children and their families before the situation worsens. Find out more here: https://unicef.au/4nBtzHz

The intensification of hostilities in Lebanon continues to have a devastating impact on children. Read our full statement: https://unicef.au/4tHlyCY

Thank you to the Australian Government for their additional $5 million in humanitarian assistance for Lebanon. Of this, $2 million will go directly to UNICEF to support nutrition, water and health services for displaced families, including nearly 300,000 children. https://unicef.au/4bqtD8J

Since January 2025, 65 Palestinian children have lost their lives in the West Bank. UNICEF is calling on Israeli authorities to take immediate action to protect Palestinian children and uphold their right to life under international law. Full statement: https://unicef.au/3NoLWC4

Since 28 February, more than 1,100 children have been reported injured or killed in the violence. Nothing justifies the killing and maiming of children, or the destruction and disruption of essential services that they depend on. Read our full statement: https://unicef.au/3OY7Koy

Right now, children are crossing the border into Afghanistan after near-impossible journeys. Many unaccompanied, many in urgent need of medical care and safety. Read the full remarks from UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, here: https://unicef.au/4bGfL9p

The continuous escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and the devastating toll it is taking on children are gravely concerning. According to the latest reports, at least 83 children have been killed and 254 wounded since 2 March. Read our full statement: https://unicef.au/4rpgUrI

Children should never pay the price of conflict. This weekend’s military escalation in the Middle East marks a dangerous moment for millions of children. Read our full statement: https://unicef.au/4rH0Ths

Children are disproportionately affected by climate change, with the Pacific a frontline region. UNICEF Australia commends the pre‑COP events in Fiji and Tuvalu and looks forward to amplifying young people's voices in climate action. @chrisbowenmp.bsky.social https://unicef.au/4rMEuiX

Four years ago, children in Ukraine went from playing with friends at school to hiding in shelters. Since February 2022, more than 3,200 children have been killed or injured. Children in Ukraine deserve to grow up without the shadow of war. Above all, they deserve peace.

For many Australians, 26 January is a day of celebration. But for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it can also be a day of mourning and loss. Today, and every day, we pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

Today, we join the nation in marking the National Day of Mourning for the Bondi Beach attack. We remember the lives lost in this horrific antisemitic attack, and we hold close in our thoughts the families, loved ones and communities affected.

We’re proud to team up with the Sydney Sixers in a new 3-year partnership supporting vulnerable children around the world. Sport brings joy to millions — yet many children lack safe spaces, education or even clean water. Together, we’re working to change that so every child can learn, grow and play.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack in Bondi last night. No child should feel unsafe because of who they are, their faith or their background. We stand with the Jewish community, and our thoughts are with the children, families and community impacted.

Today’s announcement of a new AI Safety Institute is an important step forward for protecting children in a rapidly evolving digital world. Read our full statement: https://unicef.au/4oTgvNA

Our hearts are with children and families across the Philippines as Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong bring flooding, landslides and mass evacuations. UNICEF is monitoring the situation and stands ready to support local partners to deliver urgent care and protection for children.

Our thoughts are with the communities impacted by the devastating effects of #HurricaneMelissa across the Caribbean. We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and are ready with pre-positioned lifesaving supplies to respond to the urgent needs of children and their communities.

"The news of an imminent ceasefire brings a much-needed, long-overdue glimmer of hope for them and their families. This hope must be met with immediate, urgent action." https://unicef.au/4q3fweI

Today’s ceasefire announcement is a fragile but vital glimmer of hope – for the children of Gaza, and for the hostages and their families in Israel. Once in place, it must open the way for full humanitarian access and mark the first step on a long road toward recovery and peace.

All around the world, children are growing up in war and conflict. Children and young people are caught in the crossfire, exposed to trauma and unable to access essential services like health care and education. No matter who they are or where they live, every child deserves peace.

After almost two years of unrelenting war, more than 450,000 children in Gaza City are at risk with the escalation of the military offensive. The violence must stop. Children in Gaza need an immediate and sustained ceasefire. Read our full statement: https://unicef.au/3VjX43r

Our hearts are with the children and families affected by the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. UNICEF is on the ground, coordinating with local partners to assess the impact & determine how best to respond to the urgent needs of children, families & communities.

It’s Wear It Purple Day, and we're celebrating all rainbow young people! 🏳️‍🌈 💜 No matter who they are or who they love, LGBTQIA+ youth deserve to be able to share their voices and dream big. Because all young people should feel safe, included, and empowered 💜

For the first time, famine has been officially confirmed in Gaza. According to the UN’s IPC, conditions in Gaza City meet the threshold for a formal famine classification. UNICEF is doing everything possible to save lives. Read our full statement: https://unicef.au/3JlEDJ1

The endorsement of a national register of childcare workers from education ministers around the country is a promising step toward a more transparent and accountable ECEC system that ensures children are safe and supported in the environments where they learn and grow. https://unicef.au/45LSqjk

There has never been a more dangerous time to be a humanitarian worker – with over 400 aid workers killed, kidnapped or injured in 2025 alone. We honour those who have lost their lives and recognise the strength it takes to keep showing up for children and communities in crisis, no matter what. #WHD

This week is #NAIDOCWeek. We celebrate the powerful contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, as well as their voices and leadership that continue to shape and strengthen our work. #NAIDOC2025 #NAIDOCWeek #StrengthVisionLegacy

"This weekend’s surge in violence across the Middle East signals a dangerous escalation. Children are once again paying the ultimate price." Read the full statement from UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell: unicef.au/4l0P8yK