UNICEF Seeks Support for 17,000 Nepal Children
Mental health and psychosocial support is needed by an estimated 17,000 flood-affected children in Nepal, UNICEF says, alongside protection services.
UNICEF says an estimated 17,000 children affected by recent floods in Nepal need urgent mental health and psychosocial support. The agency is working with government authorities and partners to protect children through family tracing, reunification and psychosocial support services. Some 541 unaccompanied and separated children remain at heightened risk and in need of protection services, and 18 unaccompanied and separated children have been reunified with their families. Eighteen Child-Friendly Spaces, including 13 supported by UNICEF, are providing safe environments where children can play, learn and begin to recover.
Trauma Following Floods
Many children witnessed the loss of loved ones, damage to homes and schools, displacement, and uncertainty over missing family members. UNICEF said early support can help children process distressing experiences, reduce anxiety, restore routine and identify children needing specialized services.
Ms. Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal, said:
“Beyond the visible destruction, these floods have left deep emotional scars on children and families. The floods struck during the school day, shattering children's sense of safety in an instant. Many children witnessed distressing events and are now struggling with fear, anxiety and grief, with some unable to speak about what they experienced. Alongside humanitarian supplies and restoration of critical infrastructure, children need mental health and psychosocial support to help them process what happened, regain a sense of security and begin to recover.”
Protection And Recovery Services
Community-based protection monitoring teams have been established along transit and displacement routes to identify at-risk children, make referrals and help prevent trafficking, exploitation and family separation. Alternative family-based care is being arranged for children who have lost both parents.
Dr. Shitanshu Dhakal, Medical Officer at Trishuli Hospital in Nuwakot and former UNICEF Youth Advocate for mental health, said:
“The invisible burden of trauma on flood-affected children and families is deeply distressing. Fear can remain long after the disaster itself. Children must be at the centre of the mental health response, with immediate psychological first aid and sustained support to prevent long-term consequences.”
Call For Sustained Support
UNICEF and partners are scaling up Psychological First Aid and counseling services through psychologists, counselors and frontline workers. The agency is calling for increased investment in child protection and mental health services for children affected by the floods.
