UNICEF warns 23.4 million children could fall into poverty due to Middle East war

UNICEF’s latest analysis warns that the ongoing war in the Middle East could push up to 23.4 million children worldwide into monetary poverty by the end of the year. The study, based on data from more than 167 countries, links rising food and energy prices and disruptions to maritime trade—especially the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—to a sharp drop in household incomes.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, said, “Children are paying the price of the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, including those living far beyond the region.” The report outlines two scenarios: a moderate shock adding 18.3 million children to poverty, and a severe shock adding 23.4 million. Roughly 80 % of the projected increase is expected in Asia and Africa, with examples cited from Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Bangladesh where fuel price spikes have already strained food, water and humanitarian aid costs.

UNICEF urges governments, donors and financial institutions to protect funding for health, nutrition, education and child protection, and to adopt fiscal measures such as debt relief to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable families.