The European Union, speaking as a donor at the UNICEF Executive Board on 16 June 2026, called on UNICEF to maintain essential prevention capacity against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) despite funding constraints, and to redouble efforts on gender equality. The statement, delivered by Hans Das, Deputy Director General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), addressed Agenda Items 2 and 3, including the Annual Report for 2025.
The EU reiterated strong support for UNICEF, commending the agency for delivering aid in over 100 countries and reaching $8.1 billion in income in 2025, only 2% below 2024, partly due to private sector mobilization and innovative finance. However, the EU expressed deep concern that funding pressures are impacting areas dedicated to preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse. The EU stressed that protection from SEAH is a core institutional responsibility and not optional, and asked UNICEF to outline concrete steps to protect dedicated PSEA capacity, sustain inter-agency coordination, and maintain safe reporting and survivor-centred assistance.
On gender equality, the EU welcomed progress in access to quality services for girls and women under the Gender Action Plan 2022–2025, but voiced concern about low achievements in outcome change. It encouraged UNICEF to intensify efforts against maternal malnutrition and support equitable access to education. The EU also commended UNICEF for exceeding its 2025 target on gender-based violence risk mitigation in humanitarian settings and encouraged deeper action, including collaboration with UNFPA on ending female genital mutilation.
The EU called on UNICEF to safeguard the Centrality of Protection in all interventions, stating that there is no life-saving without protection. It looked forward to the implementation of the new Strategic Plan and encouraged UNICEF to maintain ambitious objectives for children's well-being. The EU affirmed its continued role as a major donor to UNICEF across humanitarian and development work.