Mental Health Care for Children Impacted by Humanitarian Crises

General AssemblySocial, Humanitarian & Cultural Committee

TopicMental Health Care for Children Impacted by Humanitarian Crises

Armed conflicts, natural disasters, and many other emergencies expose children to violence exploitation, abuse, and neglect. During crises children experience explosive weapons firsthand, are recruited as armed soldiers, become victims of gender based violence, are separated from their families, and sexually exploited, often by aid workers. These experiences leave lasting psychological impact, especially on children, yet mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for those in crisis settings remains underfunded and unavailable to those who need it most.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is a critical global leader for mental healthcare operating in over 190 countries in order to protect children’s physical and mental wellbeing. In 2021, UNICEF supported an estimated 12 million children and caregivers by providing mental healthcare. While the prevalence of mental health issues can be hard to establish in conflict affected populations, the World Health Organization estimates that 22% of conflict affected people suffer from a mental health disorder. Stressors such as the loss of a loved one, insufficient access to basic needs, losing one’s home, being orphaned, in addition to caregivers suffering with their mental health all increase the risk for mental health disorders for children. Struggling with mental health can manifest as physical symptoms leading to headaches, stomachaches, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and delayed development. Physical manifestations along with aggressive and withdrawn behavior, risk taking behavior, and unhealthy coping skills decreases the quality of children’s lives. When considering how to increase MHPSS for children, delegates should consider the role of UNICEF as well as the World Health Organization, International Medical Corps, national governments, and local communities.

The central issue that delegates must address is that mental health support for children is consistently underfunded, stigmatized, and unavailable. An effective response will focus on both direct clinical and community approaches: safe spaces for regular structured activities, caregiver support, and increasing mental health training for teachers and other service workers. Further, delegates should focus on expanding access and funding for MHPSS services, reducing mental health stigma, and ensuring that not only are children supported but their caregivers also get the support they need.

Focus Questions:

1. What role does caregiver support play in a full response to children’s mental health in crisis situations? How might caregivers be supported?
2. How can the international community improve the response to children’s mental health in humanitarian responses?
3. How can the committee address the stigma surrounding mental health in order to address physical and psychological needs with the same urgency?

Useful Links:

International Medical Corps Operational Guidance on Providing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services for Children in Humanitarian Crises:
https://cdn1.internationalmedicalcorps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMC-2024-Child-MHPSS -Guidelines.pdf 

Evidence based mental health interventions for children in conflict settings:
https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj-2025-086043

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