UNICEF Iran Unveils Critical Report on Humanitarian Response After 12-Day Conflict

The humanitarian crisis in Iran following the 12-day Israeli war has prompted the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to launch a comprehensive response plan aimed at assisting children and families in dire situations. This plan outlines essential strategic initiatives, funding requirements, and partnerships with national organizations to ensure effective support for those affected.

In this context, UNICEF’s plan sheds light on the severe impact of the war on children and families, emphasizing urgent areas that need immediate attention, particularly in mental health and service recovery.

Humanitarian Situation Overview

Even after the ceasefire declared on June 24, 2025, tensions remain high throughout the region. The 12-day conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 1,100 fatalities and over 4,935 injuries.

Key aspects of the humanitarian situation include:

• Extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, including homes and hospitals.
• Ongoing economic challenges such as inflation, unilateral sanctions, and currency fluctuations affecting vulnerable populations.
• Government initiatives, including expanded cash assistance and relief packages for affected businesses.

Despite these efforts, many children, adolescents, and vulnerable individuals face challenges in accessing essential services. Approximately 40% of children and adolescents in impacted areas require mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).

In response to this crisis, UNICEF, at the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) and the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), is implementing a multi-sectoral approach to provide timely assistance to those in need.

UNICEF’s Comprehensive Response Strategy

UNICEF’s response is guided by its Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action, which emphasizes inclusive, rapid, and accountable service delivery for children, adolescents, and families facing vulnerabilities.

Multi-Sectoral Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Target: 1.5 million children, adolescents, caregivers, and community members

• Provision of MHPSS services to children, caregivers, and frontline workers, including supplies for child-friendly spaces and SAHAR teams.
• Support for adolescents, caregivers, and frontline workers with emergency kits.
• Training for school counselors and education staff in preparation for the upcoming school year.

Service Recovery and Multi-Sectoral Integration

Target: 1.4 million individuals, including children and caregivers in vulnerable situations

• Delivery and distribution of essential health supplies.
• Restoration of cold chain capacity to ensure vaccine effectiveness.
• Provision of dietary supplements to children under two and to pregnant and lactating mothers.
• Humanitarian cash transfers for affected individuals and training for service providers.
• Support access to education and services for children with disabilities.
• Provision of recreational and learning programs for affected children.
• Rehabilitation of damaged schools.

System Resilience and Emergency Preparedness

• Procurement of emergency response backpacks for mobile health teams.
• Temporary prefabricated classrooms for the new school year.
• Capacity-building support for partners and frontline workers regarding principled humanitarian response.

Establishing the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)

Target: 25,000 households (100,000 individuals, including 28,000 children)

• Procurement and prepositioning of essential survival supplies for rapid response.

Risk Communication, Community Engagement, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

Target: 4.7 million people reached with inclusive, protective messaging and feedback mechanisms

• Conducting rapid assessments and social listening.
• Developing and disseminating life-saving information to vulnerable groups.
• Strengthening inclusive feedback mechanisms to promote transparency and community engagement.

Funding Requirements

The humanitarian response plan by UNICEF Iran is projected to require approximately US$17 million. About 65% of this funding will be allocated for supply procurement, while the rest will support preparedness actions, coordination, rapid response mechanisms, risk communication, and community engagement.

Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, AAP, and Localization

In collaboration with UNICEF, implementing partners will monitor activities through periodic assessments and localized data collection. Feedback mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure transparency and adaptability in programs based on community input. UNICEF also emphasizes localization as a key pillar in its strategy, focusing on enhancing partnerships with national organizations and integrating AAP principles throughout all response efforts.

As the situation continues to evolve, UNICEF remains committed to providing vital support and resources to those affected by this humanitarian crisis, ensuring that children and families receive the assistance they need to recover and thrive.