In 2025, the MENA region faced overlapping crises including conflict, displacement, economic collapse, disease outbreaks, and climate shocks, placing children at risk and disrupting access to services.
This year, the International Day of Mine Awareness on April 4th serves as a reminder of the need to invest in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) and the importance of clearing land of explosive threats, enabling communities to live safely while investing in their resources.
In Gaza, restrictions on aid operations mounted as crossing closures were accompanied by the suspension of humanitarian movement coordination, medical evacuations, returns of residents from abroad, and staff rotations. The closure of the crossings drove up prices and increased reliance on humanitarian assistance.
The situation in Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh and Ar-Raqqa governorates has largely stabilized in recent days, following the agreement announced on 30 January 2026. Active hostilities have subsided, bringing a greater sense of calm, even as localized incidents, precautionary security measures, and community concerns persist in many areas.
On 11 January, a ceasefire agreement was announced, following which initial, limited return movements were observed, particularly to the Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood. Returns to Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud remain gradual, pending authorization and completion of UXO clearance.
After more than a decade of conflict, Yemen remains one of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises. The country continues to face the compounded impacts of conflict, climate change, economic collapse, and the near-total breakdown of public services and institutions.
Over 1.9 million internally displaced persons and close to 1.3 million Syrian refugees have returned to their areas of origin or other locations across Syria. Around 57 per cent of the returnees are children.
Children in the Syrian Arab Republic continue to face significant vulnerabilities after 14 years of conflict. Despite renewed engagement following the change in authorities in late 2024, humanitarian needs are rising due to large-scale returns, economic decline, climate shocks and damaged infrastructure.
This report outlines the patterns of contamination, assesses risk zones, and identifies the operational consequences for actors engaged in civilian protection, reconstruction, and stabilization in southern Lebanon.
2025 has brought unprecedented challenges to Yemen. Drastic funding cuts have forced aid agencies to scale back many life-saving programmes. Seasonal floods have once again devastated communities, sweeping away people’s homes and belongings.
The humanitarian situation in southern Syria remains unpredictable, with insecurity, displacement, and service disruptions continuing to affect communities across As-Sweida, Dar’a, and Quneitra governorates during the reporting period.
In 2025, UNICEF’s Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal for Syria requires US$488 million to meet urgent needs of children and families across the country.
Mental Health Matters – Awareness Program by Medrar Foundation and LAU Civic Engagement Students
In partnership with the Lebanese American University (LAU) Civic Engagement Students, Medrar Foundation launched a community initiative titled “Mental Health Matters.” The program aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health in Lebanon and to equip individuals—especially youth and parents—with practical coping tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional distress during economic and social hardships.
Since December 2024, nearly 1.86 million internally displaced persons and over 1 million Syrian refugees have returned to their areas of origin. Many are facing significant challenges due to damaged infrastructure, limited services, and ongoing insecurity.
The security situation across southern Syria remains unpredictable, with ongoing incidents contributing to instability in rural areas. Recent weeks have seen localized tensions, including armed clashes, criminal activity, Explosive Ordinance (EO) explosions and disruptions affecting civilian safety and mobility.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) revealed in its latest report, released today, 70 civilians were killed in Syria in September 2025, including seven children, three women, and three individuals killed due to torture.
Despite urgent needs, 62 per cent of UNICEF’s response remains unfunded. Without timely support, the most vulnerable children risk missing access to critical, lifesaving services.
UNICEF supported 3,127 Primary Health Care facilities out of 5,214 nationwide, representing 60% of Yemen's facilities, and delivered essential services to 1.5 million women and children, including maternal, newborn, and child health, despite ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Between 6 and 12 August, the security situation in As-Sweida Governorate remained tense, with multiple incidents of armed violence and clashes reported across both rural and urban areas.
Hostilities continued in As-Sweida Governorate, particularly the western countryside, despite a ceasefire agreement, contributing to a volatile security environment and impacting civilian safety.
