����AV

is a deadly but preventable disease that still kills over 100,000 children each year, mostly in low-income countries. While vaccines have nearly eliminated it in wealthy nations, poor access and weak health systems keep it a major global threat.

Seven years after hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled horrific violence and persecution in Myanmar, refugee children and their families are still living in the sprawling, overcrowded camps. With little to no opportunity to earn a livelihood, families living in the camps rely almost entirely on humanitarian assistance. As a result, Rohingya living in the camps have limited access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods. A combination of an unusually long monsoon season in 2024, further displacement, intermittent reductions in food rations, and now a global aid funding crisis have contributed to a deepening malnutrition crisis that saw a  in severe acute malnutrition cases in February 2025 compared with a year earlier.

The ongoing war in Lebanon is upending children’s lives, and in many cases, inflicting severe physical wounds and deep emotional scars. 

“There are also great stories and children who I see, who you know, are so resilient, children who have hope for the future.”

Catherine Russell never forgets the children she meets. As Executive Director of UNICEF, she bears witness to the stories of tens of millions of children and young people suffering around the world, and shares causes for optimism and hope wherever she finds it.

“Children just want to be children. No matter what, the bleakest situation, the most terrible things, they still want to play right? They want to find some joy. They want to just be kids, and I think that's what we have to all work to protect.”

2024 was one of the worst years on record for children in conflict, a devastating statistic that the UN is refusing to accept as a deadly new normal. In this episode, Catherine reflects on the impacts of childhood trauma, the limits of human resilience, and looks back on a childhood spent trick-or-treating for UNICEF.

Photo: ©UNICEF/UN0733293/Truong Viet Hung

* Episode recorded end of 2024

The situation in Sudan is devastating, marked by horrific violence and massive displacement. Amid this crisis, a looming nutrition disaster threatens future generations. Over 20 months of conflict have led to soaring malnutrition rates, with approximately 3.2 million children under five at risk of acute malnutrition by 2025 and over 770,000 expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition. Children facing this condition are vulnerable to developmental issues, diseases, and even death. The nutrition crisis is exacerbated by disease outbreaks, declining access to health services, and unprecedented displacement. In response, is rapidly scaling up its nutrition efforts to combat the heightened risk of famine.

works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures. And we never give up.

We all want what's best for our children, but being a parent isn't always easy. Science-backed information you can trust to help give your child the best start in life!

Having overcome a childhood marked by violence, abuse and neglect, Benjamin Perks has always drawn strength from an innate sense of optimism. Now Head of Campaigns and Advocacy at UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, he helps protect young people in similar situations all over the world.

“I think it was very clear that we were in a bad spot, though, being dealt a bad hand, but I was somehow optimistic that things would be better.”

Having recently authored a book about his experiences, Trauma Proof, Benjamin Perks reflects in this episode of Awake at Night on a lifetime campaigning for all children to be safe, seen, and soothed, and on how an encounter with a special teacher put his life back on track.

's reveals that 77% of children under five globally have their births registered, marking progress in legal identity but highlighting that 150 million children remain unregistered. Challenges persist, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where many face barriers to registration. UNICEF calls for improved systems, digitalization, and legal reforms to ensure every child is recognized and protected.  states affirms every child's right to have their identity established ‘immediately’ after birth through birth registration.

Dear adults, as we celebrated World Childrens Day, children around the world are calling for peace, for safe and healthy environments, for love and care. We cannot let them down. 

 (20 November) is a global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the . Child rights are human rights. But in too many places today children’s rights are being misunderstood, disregarded or denied and attacked. By listening to children we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today. Releasing on this year’s world Children’s Day,   will focus on future of childhood in a changing world.

What do you do every day to take care of your mental health?

In the words of Orlando Bloom, , "Sometimes it just takes a walk". 

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. A new variant of the virus is spreading, putting children at risk.

“Shootings, that’s why I left. Rapes. All that. I could not stay [back home]” – Solona, 14

Armed groups in Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite region are terrorizing entire communities. As streets, schools and playgrounds have been turned into battlefields, many have had . Thousands are now stranded in makeshift displacement sites. Struggling to access electricity, food, water, and adequate sanitation. Entire families are sleeping outside on the ground, at the mercy of torrential rains and disease-carrying insects. Children unable to go to school.

Violence in Haiti has reached shocking levels. continues to call for an end to the violence.

Learn about some of the most important newborn health warning signs. For more expert tips visit .