Japanese Government Decides to Provide US$1.5 Million in Emergency Grant Aid to UNICEF to Respond to Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation in the Middle East

July 1, 2026, Tokyo

Millions of children living in the Middle East are exposed to physical danger and psychological distress due to ongoing military attacks and violence that have continued for over 100 days. The Japanese government has decided to provide US$1.5 million in emergency grant aid to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to address the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Palestine. This funding will enable UNICEF to deliver emergency assistance, focusing on water and sanitation, to the most vulnerable populations, including children.

In Lebanon, since March 2, when military clashes intensified again, over 1,200 children have lost their lives or been injured. Furthermore, more than 770,000 children have been repeatedly exposed to violence, loss, and displacement, with many unable to return to their homes due to the dangers of combat and unexploded ordnance. Access to basic services is limited, and particularly concerning are safe water and sanitation, which have been severely impacted by damaged infrastructure, a surge in demand, and reduced operational capacity of water facilities.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, March 2026 became the month with the highest number of Palestinians injured in settler attacks in the past 20 years. Amidst ongoing destruction of buildings, children are facing restricted access to all essential services. With a prolonged period of political and economic instability, coupled with pre-existing issues of aging water and sanitation facilities and vulnerable facility management, the influx of displaced persons and destruction of infrastructure have further exacerbated the critical situation regarding access to safe water and sanitation.

This funding from the Japanese government will be used to secure safe water and adequate sanitation facilities, which are essential for protecting the health, dignity, and resilience of children amidst the humanitarian crisis, aligning with the government's concept of "Human Security and Dignity." Specifically, in Lebanon, it will support the restoration of water and sanitation infrastructure in collective shelters and emergency water supply. In the West Bank, it will fund the repair, maintenance, and installation of pumps, water supply networks, and water supply systems, as well as the replacement of damaged or malfunctioning sewage pipes and related facilities for displaced persons' camps, benefiting a total of 34,000 people, including 14,573 children. UNICEF will work in collaboration with partners, including local governments and the Japanese government, to ensure that essential support reaches children.

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid throughout the world. UNICEF is at work in more than 190 countries and territories※ to reach the most disadvantaged children and protect their rights. Through its commitment, UNICEF transforms promises into tangible actions, focusing on the most vulnerable children.

※ Includes 32 countries and territories where National Committees for UNICEF operate.

※ UNICEF's activities are funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and governments.

UNICEF Tokyo Office

The UNICEF Tokyo Office, as a UN agency office directly under UNICEF Headquarters in New York, promotes financial cooperation through Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Japanese government, as well as collaboration with parliamentarians, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and others.

https://www.unicef.org/tokyo/