Born Into War: UNICEF Urges Global Action to Save Syria’s Children

UNICEF has issued a powerful plea to the international community: act now to safeguard the future of Syria’s children.

As Syria emerges from 14 years of unrelenting conflict, the country’s youngest generation faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Born into war, raised amidst ruins, and now standing at a fragile crossroads of hope and despair, over 10.5 million Syrian children are in urgent need of protection, education, and support. UNICEF has issued a powerful plea to the international community: act now to safeguard the future of Syria’s children.

A Generation Born in Conflict

More than 75 per cent of Syria’s children were born during the brutal civil war, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions more. These children have never known peace. Instead, they have grown up surrounded by violence, trauma, and instability.

“Years of war and violence have shattered the lives of Syria’s children, with many enduring a lifetime of hardship,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “We need to work urgently to ensure that every child in the country, wherever they are, can reclaim a childhood, access to learning, and a life free from violence and fear.”

Latest Violence Deepens Suffering

A recent spike in hostilities around Syria’s coastal regions has brought renewed devastation. At least 13 children, including a six-month-old baby, were reportedly killed in the latest attacks. Hundreds more were injured, and thousands of families displaced once again, as vital infrastructure including schools, homes, and water facilities were damaged.

The surge in violence underscores the fragility of the situation, even as the country inches toward recovery. With more than 90 per cent of Syrians now living below the poverty line, families are being forced into desperate survival strategies — including child labour and early marriage — to meet basic needs.

Mounting Dangers for Children

UNICEF warns of multiple, overlapping threats facing children across Syria today:

• Explosive Remnants of War: An estimated 5 million children live in areas contaminated with unexploded ordnance and landmines. Nearly 300,000 deadly devices are believed to remain across the country, posing a constant and deadly threat to children at play, on their way to school, or helping their families with daily chores.

• Collapse of Education: Over 40 per cent of Syria’s 20,000 schools are no longer functional due to destruction, damage, or being repurposed for other uses. More than 2.4 million children are currently out of school, and another 1 million are at risk of dropping out, jeopardizing the country’s long-term recovery.

• Malnutrition Emergency: More than 500,000 children under five are already suffering from life-threatening acute malnutrition. An additional 2 million are at serious risk, as food insecurity, poverty, and lack of healthcare spiral.

• Water and Sanitation Breakdown: Operational water systems in Syria’s 14 governorates are functioning at less than half their capacity, dropping as low as 23 per cent during power outages. At the same time, 70 per cent of sewage is being released untreated into the environment, creating hazardous living conditions and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

A Pivotal Moment for Action

UNICEF’s appeal coincides with the Standing with Syria Conference in Brussels, where world leaders gathered to discuss the country’s future. UNICEF is urging all stakeholders to prioritize children in every aspect of Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.

Russell emphasized, “This is a moment of hope and of great responsibility. Now is the time to act decisively to rebuild, protect, and invest in the future of every child, in every community across the country.”

UNICEF's recommendations include:

• Immediate protection of children and essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and water networks.

• Expanded access to education, ensuring safe, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities for all children.

• Increased humanitarian access to reach all children in need with lifesaving support, including food, water, healthcare, and psychosocial services.

• Sustained international funding to rebuild critical social systems, including healthcare, sanitation, and education — the building blocks of a stable society.

Long-Term Commitment to Syria’s Children

UNICEF reaffirms its dedication to working alongside humanitarian partners, donors, and local institutions to bring both immediate relief and long-term recovery. Their mission is twofold: to deliver urgent, lifesaving assistance today, and to lay the foundations for a better tomorrow through systematic reform and sustainable development.

“The children of Syria have endured unimaginable suffering,” said Russell. “But with decisive global action, investment, and compassion, we can help them recover, rebuild, and dream again.”

The world must not turn its back on Syria’s children. Their future — and the nation’s — depends on the choices made today.