UNICEF Warns Devastating Early 2026 Toll of Conflict on Children in Middle East and North Africa

UNICEF has issued a stark warning that only weeks into 2026, the impact of violence and conflict on children across the Middle East and North Africa is already reaching devastating levels.

The agency said children throughout the region have been killed, injured, displaced, arrested, detained, and denied education and essential services, with ongoing flashpoints leaving lasting and often irreversible damage to young lives.

"We are only a few weeks into the new year and already the toll of violence and conflict on children in the region is devastating," UNICEF said.

Children Facing Death, Displacement and Trauma Across Multiple Crises

UNICEF stressed that conflicts and crises across the region continue to alter children's lives in profound ways, as humanitarian needs escalate and access to safety and basic services deteriorates.

Syria: Nearly 200,000 Displaced, Half of Them Children

In Syria, renewed violence and clashes in the northeast have displaced almost 200,000 people, around half of them children, and disrupted critical services.

UNICEF reported that at least five children died in Ain Al Arab/Kobani, linked to the lack of health care and winter supplies.

Sudan: Dozens of Child Deaths and Growing Famine Risk

In Sudan, UNICEF said that in January 2026 alone, at least 20 children were killed, most of them in the conflict-hit states of Kordofan and Darfur.

Millions of children require urgent assistance, protection, and the restoration of essential services.

Famine has been confirmed in:

• Al Fasher, North Darfur

• Kadugli, Kordofan

Nearly 20 additional areas are at risk as fighting restricts humanitarian access and the delivery of lifesaving supplies.

Iran: Reports of Over 144 Children Killed

UNICEF expressed grave concern over recent events in Iran, where more than 144 children have reportedly been killed, with many others injured or detained.

The agency said it is strongly advocating with Iranian authorities to protect children from violence and to end the arrest or detention of minors.

UNICEF also warned that fear of further escalation is placing immense psychological strain on children and families.

"We urge all involved to deescalate tensions and prioritise peace," the agency said.

Gaza: Fragile Ceasefire Offers Limited Relief

In the Gaza Strip, UNICEF said that while a fragile ceasefire has brought some improvements, conditions remain extremely dangerous for children.

Children continue to face airstrikes and the collapse of health, water, and education systems.

Since the beginning of 2026, 37 children have been reported killed across Gaza.

UNICEF stressed that the ceasefire must hold and deliver on its promise to end children's suffering.

West Bank: Rising Violence Undermines Children's Safety

In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, UNICEF warned that rising conflict continues to undermine children's safety and leave families in constant fear.

In January:

• Two children were killed

• 25 children were injured

Yemen and Lebanon: Protracted Crises Deepen Humanitarian Need

Elsewhere in the region, long-running conflicts and fragile conditions are worsening humanitarian pressures.

In Yemen, children face multiple overlapping crises, including:

• Ongoing conflict

• Economic insecurity

• Widespread malnutrition

In Lebanon, families continue struggling to recover from the recent war while living under the fear of renewed strikes.

UNICEF Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Children

UNICEF condemned grave violations against children, including killing and maiming, stressing that such violence is unacceptable.

"Children must always be protected," the agency said, warning that the first month of 2026 has already been marked by the devastating loss of young lives.

UNICEF urged all governments and parties to conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and to take immediate action to end:

• Killing and injuring of children

• Arrest and detention of minors

• Trauma and displacement caused by violence

"What all children need most is peace," UNICEF said.