In crisis-affected regions, winter makes already fragile situations even harder. Many children live in damaged homes, makeshift shelters or communities cut off by snow. Without reliable heating or adequate insulation, they are exposed to freezing temperatures and are especially vulnerable. Cold and damp conditions increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Each winter, UNICEF steps up its efforts to provide warmth and protection for children.
How UNICEF supports children through the winter
UNICEF provides essential winter items and strengthens critical services to help children stay warm and protected. Depending on the needs and conditions in each country, this support includes:
- warm winter clothing for children
- winter blankets
- winter kits for children and families
- tarpaulins to reinforce damaged shelters
- family tents for the most vulnerable households
- winter-related support for schools and health facilities
- repairs to water and heating systems and support to district heating networks
Together, we can bring warmth and hope.
Winter challenges in 3 affected regions
We provide winter assistance in several crisis-affected countries. The examples below show how children experience winter in different crisis contexts and how UNICEF supports them.
Afghanistan: Families isolated by cold
In Afghanistan, temperatures drop as low as –33°C and entire districts become inaccessible due to snow and dangerous or blocked roads. Many families already face poverty, health risks, poor shelter conditions and rising food insecurity – a situation made even more urgent in areas recently affected by earthquakes and floods. This winter, UNICEF is distributing winter kits with warm clothing and blankets to protect children in remote regions from the freezing cold.
Ukraine: Winter under continued attacks
In Ukraine, repeated attacks on energy and water infrastructure have led to widespread heating failures and long power cuts. Families face winter in damaged homes without reliable warmth or hot water, and schools struggle to stay open. Alongside the distribution of essential winter supplies, UNICEF supports communities with heating and water network repairs and helps schools fix windows, doors and heating systems so children can continue their education during the cold months.
Gaza Strip: Winter in displacement
In Gaza, over two years of destruction and displacement have left children exposed to rain, cold nights and flooding in makeshift shelters without insulation or heating. UNICEF distributes winter clothing kits, warm blankets, family tents and plastic tarpaulins to help strengthen damaged shelters and protect children from the harsh winter conditions. To reduce flooding risks in overcrowded areas, UNICEF provides pumps and improves drainage systems, helping families stay safer as temperatures drop.
No child should face winter without warmth and safety. Your support helps us reach the most vulnerable children this winter with the essential items and services that keep them warm and safe.
