UNICEF and partner data show that under-five mortality has fallen since 2000 but progress is slowing, with stark inequality between regions; fragile and conflict-affected settings bear a disproportionate share of child deaths. Hundreds of millions of children in low- and middle-income countries experience severe multidimensional deprivation across health, education, housing, nutrition, water, and sanitation. Climate-related disasters increasingly displace children daily. This cause supports stronger child-focused social protection, health and nutrition services, safe schools, and protection from violence and exploitation.