How UNHCR supports child refugees
Child refugees across the world are being robbed of their childhood and are being forced to flee from their homes. UNHCR is doing everything possible to support refugees and build a better life for displaced children.
23.12.24
When children are being forced to flee from their homes because of war, violence or persecution, many of them end up travelling on their own and some with their families. Unfortunately, the journey they have to take is not easy and one that no child should face in their lifetime. In situations of crisis, children, adolescents and youth are at risk of various forms of abuse, separation from their carers, neglect, violence, exploitation, trafficking or military recruitment. UNHCR plays a vital role in helping those affected rebuild their lives.
In this article, we share some of the ways UNHCR is assisting affected families and children.
Education initiatives
Many children lose access to vital education when they are displaced from their homes. Families struggle to afford basic school supplies, and children face barriers such as overcrowded classrooms, untrained teachers and the psychological toll of displacement.
Through global programmes like “Educate A Child” and the “Primary Impact”, UNHCR supports millions of refugee children by building schools, training teachers and providing educational supplies. For older students, the DAFI Scholarship Programme enables young refugees to pursue undergraduate degrees, offering comprehensive support including tuition fees, study materials and psychosocial counselling.
Accessible healthcare
With millions of children affected by conflict, natural disasters and persecution, healthcare remains a key area of intervention for UNHCR.
- Providing access to medical care – in some cases, access to medical care is hard to come by, or not possible. UNHCR is working to overcome these challenges by subsidising hospital care, improving access to vital medicines, and equipping health facilities to serve both refugees and host communities. For example, in Lebanon UNHCR has prioritised healthcare to combat malnutrition, respiratory infections, and other critical conditions exacerbated by poverty and harsh living conditions.
- Emergency response – vaccination programmes and health education campaigns are conducted to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases such as measles and mpox. Displaced populations can be particularly vulnerable where there are overcrowded living conditions and limited sanitation. UNHCR provides clean water, hygiene supplies, and training to health workers and volunteers to address these challenges effectively.
- Psychological support – beyond physical health, UNHCR emphasises mental health support for children who have experienced trauma. Psychosocial programmes aim to help children cope with the psychological toll of displacement, ensuring they can rebuild a sense of normalcy and security.
Essential legal aid & protection
UK for UNHCR funds protection and legal assistance, ensuring children are safe from violence and have access to asylum processes.
Child refugee facts you need to know…
- By 2023, there were over 43 million displaced children globally. This includes refugees, asylum seekers, and those displaced within their own countries.
- Approximately 42% of all refugees under UNHCR’s mandate are children.
- Education opportunities are especially limited at secondary and higher levels, with only 42% of refugee children attending secondary school and just 7% accessing tertiary education.
- During the recent Lebanon crisis, a huge 56% of refugee arrivals from Lebanon and Syria were children.
Stories of hope for child refugees
Maysara’s Path to Education
Maysara, a Syrian refugee, fled his home near Idlib at the age of 13 amidst violence and destruction. After a harrowing journey to Lebanon, he faced barriers to education and endured discrimination. However, through UNHCR support, Maysara resettled in the UK. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, he taught himself English and is now pursuing a degree in Politics and International Relations at Durham University.
Semira’s Family Reunion
Semira, a mother separated from her children during their escape from Eritrea, endured years of uncertainty and heartbreak. Her children faced perilous conditions, travelling through multiple countries without basic necessities and surviving a kidnapping. After eight years, Semira was reunited with her children, demonstrating the enduring strength of familial bonds and the vital role of UNHCR in reuniting families torn apart by conflict.
How can you help child refugees right now?
The first step is understanding the truth about refugees, so thank you for taking the time to read this article; we hope it’s inspired you to make a difference, however small. There really is so much you can do; from donating and fundraising, to welcoming displaced families into your community and spreading awareness. Whatever you do and however small, you can have a positive impact on those affected ‒ every effort counts.
