Children in Crisis: Spotlight on Underfunded Humanitarian Emergencies

02.02.2026

EU-UNICEF discussion series on children in underfunded crises

EU-UNICEF Discussion Series on Children in Crisis

Background

The UNICEF 2026 humanitarian Action for Children Appeal estimates that more than 200 million children will require humanitarian assistance in 133 countries and territories this year. While high-profile humanitarian crises such as the ones in Afghanistan, the State of Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine mobilized 47% of the humanitarian contributions received in 2025, chronically, underfunded crises continue to struggle to receive attention from donor community with appeals for these emergency responses receiving only 17% of the contributions received. In a world engulfed with polycrisis, the likelihood that emergencies get neglected is inevitable. In such situations of “forgotten”, “neglected” or “underfunded” crisis, it is imperative that the plights of children are not overlooked.

This is the reason why since 2023, the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations in New York has been partnering with UNICEF in organizing the discussion series entitled “Children in Crisis: Spotlight on Underfunded Humanitarian Emergencies^[1].” Since, 2023, the series has focused on crises in The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Haiti, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, South Sudan, the Central Sahel, the Central African Republic, Myanmar, the situation of Rohingya children, Afghanistan, and Colombia (see details and key messages chronologically listed below).

Aim of discussion series

Focus on the plight of children in underfunded crisis, who receive little/no or inadequate assistance. With particular attention drawn to the need for their access to education and protection, creating linkages to the six grave violations against children; the EU commitments on Education in Emergencies; and the EU updated Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict.
Demonstrate the operational reality, severity and scale of needs in severely underfunded crises, with in depth focus on specific sectors that are most relevant for the wellbeing and protection of children.
Advocate for specific focus on children’s rights in programming for/and humanitarian support, especially amidst the humanitarian Reset and hyper-prioritization; and
Advocate for more financing for children’s programming during humanitarian responses

Methodology

Timing: approximately one discussion per trimester. Windows of opportunity will be created by building linkages with global moments and international conferences.

Targeted audience: The series will be open to select UN Member States (DPR-level), including affected countries, humanitarian donors, UN agencies, the Red Cross and Crescent Movement, humanitarian NGOs, civil society, regional organizations, and International Financial Institutions.

Cross-thematic layer: Country-focused sessions will incorporate thematic lenses such as climate, fragility and vulnerabilities (including girls, children with disabilities, and Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), partnerships (private sector/IFIs), and gender equality. Additionally, once or twice a year, a session may be dedicated entirely to one of these themes, independent of specific country crises.

Participation: The discussion series will be hosted by the EU Delegation or UNICEF. Each session will consist of a three-person panel that will update participants on the current needs, gaps and challenges - from the ground if possible -, followed by a Q&A and discussion on what is needed from the international community to improve the situation.

Panel: For each meeting, a UNICEF Emergency / Country Representative will brief. The aim will be to invite another UN, as well as NGO, Representative to join the panel, ideally from the field. Site participation of the country representatives will be strongly encouraged. Hybrid participation of the panelists will be possible, when country representation in person is not possible.

Amplification: Increasing the reach of the messages, recommendations and action points agreed at the discussions is paramount in putting the plight of children on the NY agenda. A one-pager with key messages will be distributed widely as well as published on the website. Visibility will be provided on social media platforms of EUDEL, UNICEF and other UN agencies with tweets following the meeting.