Mali Crisis
Children in Mali: Victims of War
Fighting pervasive poverty and chronic cycles of drought and hunger—the children of northern Mali have already suffered many hardships. Then came the cruelest blow: war. Schools destroyed. Health centers vandalized. More than 400,000 Malians driven from their homes by violence. The displaced live in camps or rely on overextended host families. Mali's families and children desperately need your help.
Act Now to Save Children in Mali
At UNICEF, we believe ZERO children should be left unprotected in emergencies. If you believe in ZERO:
- Join us — take the ZERO pledge
- Donate to help Mali's children and other children affected by emergencies
Children Pushed to the Brink by War in Mali
Even in good years, life is a harsh struggle for those living on the vast Sahara's edge. The conflict in Mali has affected nearly 3 million people and comes on the heels of a food crisis that sent malnutrition surging across the Sahel region. War is the final shock in a chain of events that has pushed some of the world's most vulnerable children to the brink. Though control of Mali's north has been restored, the humanitarian situation has only deteriorated.
UNICEF's Emergency Response
Throughout the crisis, UNICEF managed to keep a stream of supplies flowing into Mali's conflict zone by truck and by boat. We have expedited delivery through air shipments and sent surge staff—emergency experts across the country.
In 2013, UNICEF will work with its partners in Mali to:
- deliver catch-up education for 400,000 children;
- bring clean, safe water to 1.5 million people;
- provide essential supplies to health facilities in both Mali's north and south;
- treat up to 170,000 children for moderate and severe malnutrition;
- protect thousands of children from unexploded mines;
- rehabilitate ex-child soldiers and reunite them with their families; and
- counsel female victims of gender-based violence.
UNICEF is seeking urgent funding to address the basic needs of women and children affected by the Malian crisis.
Learn More About the Crisis in Mali
June 7, 2013
In Mauritania Refugee Camps, Education and Opportunity
Mauritania is the largest recipient of refugees fleeing the crisis in Mali. There are approximately 74,000 Malian refugees in Mbera camp, 58 percent of them children under 18. Many have been in Mbera for over a year. UNICEF and partners are providing schooling for some 7,000 students, as well as recreation for pre-school children. But there are around 30,000 school-age children in the refugee camp. With additional funding, UNICEF plans to expand the number of schools, provide tables and benches, and build semi-permanent school structures.
May 29, 2013
Cholera Outbreak Threatens Thousands in Mali
A cholera outbreak in the Gao region of Mali has claimed two lives and left another 20 people needing urgent treatment. This is the first outbreak of the disease in Mali since the start of the rainy season. With the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and other partners, UNICEF is stepping up assistance to affected communities and scaling up prevention and awareness-raising activities.
May 10, 2013
UNICEF Supports Malians Displaced by Conflict
In January 2012, rebellion erupted in northern Mali. The Dicko family fled by truck, empty-handed, and arrived in Ségou just over a year ago. They are now are among an estimated 292,648 Malians who have fled the fighting in the North but have stayed within the country’s borders. According to the governor, little Ségou’s houses, riverbanks and yards have gained 36,000 people in the past year. UNICEF has provided kits containing everyday items like pots, mosquito nets and blankets, along with water, sanitation and hygiene items.
