children and families across Europe and central Asia are facing a multitude of threats, from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods to the ongoing impacts of conflict and disease outbreaks. As of October 2024, floods, landslides, and mudflows had affected nearly 150,000 people, while over 95,000 measles cases were reported by early September. these dire circumstances underscore the urgent need for continued preparedness, response, and disaster risk reduction efforts.
The aftermath of the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye continues to be felt, with an estimated 732,000 people still residing in temporary settlements. “One and a half years after, around 732,000 people, including 210,000 children, are still living in temporary settlements,” highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those affected. Armenia, meanwhile, is hosting over 142,000 refugees, including at least 36,000 children who fled their homes due to escalating hostilities in 2020 and 2023.
The Mediterranean and Balkan routes continue to see a surge in mixed migration, overwhelming local services. By september 2024, over 123,878 refugees and migrants had arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, italy, and Serbia. This influx includes a growing number of unaccompanied children and survivors of gender-based violence.
UNICEF is seeking $80.8 million to provide critical humanitarian aid to those in need in Armenia and Türkiye, support refugee and migrant children, address emerging crises, and invest in emergency preparedness. This funding will also be crucial in ensuring that governments and partners have the capacity to effectively manage disaster risks.
A Region in Crisis
Children and families across Europe and Central Asia are facing a perfect storm of crises. Earthquakes, floods, disease outbreaks, conflict, and extreme weather events are putting millions of lives at risk. An estimated 160 million children in the region are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing threats such as extreme temperatures, air pollution, water scarcity, and floods.”Three out of five child health risks are linked to climate change, and one in two children are exposed to heatwaves, compared to the global average of one in four,” underscoring the urgency of addressing this growing threat.
The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to have ripple effects throughout the region, impacting neighboring countries economically, politically, and socially. As of October 2024, floods, landslides, and mudflows had affected nearly 150,000 people in Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, and Tajikistan, causing casualties, displacement, and damage to infrastructure.
Measles outbreaks are also a major concern, with over 95,000 cases reported in the region by September 2024, representing 35 percent of global cases. Five of the top 10 countries globally with the highest incidence of measles are located in this region.
The February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye had a devastating impact on 15.6 million people, including 1.8 million refugees,across 11 affected provinces. “Adequate shelter,access to water and sanitation facilities (especially hygiene items for women and girls),as well as essential health,nutrition and child progress services remain major needs in the affected provinces,” highlighting the ongoing challenges in the recovery process.
The influx of refugees and migrants along the Mediterranean and Balkan routes continues to strain resources. Along with the over 123,878 arrivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Serbia between January and September 2024, the number of unaccompanied children entering Spain through its southern borders has also risen sharply. Many of these vulnerable children lack adequate care and accommodation, and face increased risks of violence, xenophobia, and gender-based violence.
Armenia, already grappling with a large refugee population, is facing notable strain on its social services. ”Given the country’s large refugee population compared with the national population (62 refugee children per 1,000 local children), such key services as education, social services, health and psychological support remain overstretched,” emphasizing the urgent need for additional support.
In the face of these mounting challenges, strengthening investment in emergency preparedness, response, and risk mitigation is crucial to protect children, families, and communities across Europe and Central asia.
## A Region in Crisis: An Expert Interview on Protecting Children in Europe and Central Asia
**World today News** sits down wiht dr. Anya ivanova, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, to discuss the escalating humanitarian challenges facing children and families in the region and the urgent need for continued support.
**World Today News:** Dr. Ivanova, the beginning of 2024 saw a worrying number of crises unfold across Europe and Central Asia. Can you paint a picture of the humanitarian situation for our readers?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Certainly. We are witnessing a confluence of crises impacting millions of children and families across the region.
From the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in 2023, with ongoing repercussions, to the alarming rise in measles outbreaks and the consistent threat of natural disasters like floods and landslides, the challenges are immense. The situation is further exacerbated by ongoing conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands, especially children, and strained local resources.
**World Today News:** The numbers are indeed alarming. UNICEF reports that over 150,000 people were affected by floods and landslides alone by october 2024, and over 95,000 measles cases were confirmed. What is UNICEF doing to address these immediate needs?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Our response is two-fold: immediate relief and long-term support. We are providing essential supplies like clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical care to those affected by natural disasters and disease outbreaks. We are also working closely with local communities to provide psychosocial support to children who have experienced trauma and loss.
For those displaced by conflict, we are supporting the provision of safe shelter, education, and psychosocial services.
**World Today News:** The influx of refugees and migrants along the Mediterranean and balkan routes is another pressing concern. How is UNICEF addressing the specific needs of children within this vulnerable population?
**Dr. Ivanova:** The situation on these routes is indeed challenging. We are witnessing a surge in arrivals, including many unaccompanied children and survivors of gender-based violence. UNICEF is advocating for their protection and advocating for policies that uphold their rights, including access to safe shelter, education, and legal assistance.
We are also working with local authorities and partners to ensure that these children have access to essential services, such as healthcare, psychosocial support, and family tracing and reunification.
**World today News:** UNICEF has launched an appeal for $80.8 million.How will these funds be utilized to address the growing humanitarian needs in the region?
**Dr. Ivanova:** This funding is critical to scale up our response and reach more children in need across the region.
It will allow us to:
* Provide life-saving aid to children affected by natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
* Support refugees and migrant children with essential services.
* Invest in disaster risk reduction initiatives, strengthening communities’ resilience to future shocks.
* Work with governments and partners to build more effective and sustainable systems for protecting children.
**World Today News:** What message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of supporting these efforts?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Every child deserves a safe and healthy childhood. The crises unfolding across Europe and Central Asia are robbing millions of children of their right to a future. Yoru support can make a tangible difference in their lives. By contributing to UNICEF’s efforts, you are helping us to provide them with the protection, care, and opportunities they deserve. Every child has the potential to thrive if given the chance. Let’s work together to ensure that no child is left behind.
