On World Children’s Day, UNICEF warns Iraq’s growing water crisis is putting children’s futures at risk

"If we do not protect Iraq’s water today, we fail to protect its children and young people tomorrow," said Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Iraq. "Every child has the right to safe water and to grow up in a clean and healthy environment.”

For countless Iraqi families, the water crisis has become an inescapable part of daily life. In communities across the country, water reaches homes for only a few hours each day, sometimes just on certain days of the week. When taps run dry, families are forced to rely on expensive truck water or private supplies that are often unsafe.

"Iraq has a very young population, its children and young people are its greatest asset," Skoog said. “Together with the Government of Iraq, we are focusing on five urgent priorities for children – starting with tackling water scarcity and climate risks so that every child can survive, thrive, learn and be protected."

UNICEF is addressing the water scarcity crisis as part of a comprehensive approach to protect children's rights: tackling climate risks; giving every child a healthy start in life through early childhood development and essential health services; protecting children from violence, abuse and harmful practices including early marriage; getting every child back to learning and improving education quality and safety; and strengthening social protection systems and policies so vulnerable families can cope with shocks.

World Children's Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. Today, as Iraq's water crisis deepens, children's fundamental rights hang in the balance.

UNICEF reiterates its commitment to work with the Government of Iraq, international and local partners, civil society organizations and the private sector to protect the rights of children in Iraq.

UNICEF's work in Iraq is made possible through close partnership with the Government of Iraq and the generous support of international partners, including the European Union, the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank, and the Government of the Netherlands.

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child; in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.